MFC4082 - Film Analysis 1: Action to Zoom - How Films Work

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic concepts used in film analysis;
2. apply these concepts to a range of films from different periods and cultures;
3. demonstrate basic skills in academic writing

Content:

The module provides an introduction to basic concepts used in the analysis of films, exploring their potential and limitations. It examines a selection of extracts and whole films from different periods and cultures in detail. It explores topics such as film form, narrative and non-narrative; fiction and documentary; film language and technique; elements of style; genre; stars; realism, surrealism and expressionism; mainstream, experimental and avant-garde cinema; auteurism. It considers relationships between these factors.

Students will examine and analyse a variety of texts and other sources of information on, analysis of, and opinion about film.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The scheme below assumes recruitment of 60.
There will be a weekly film-screening session for this module.

Lecture
Contact hours 20
Number of groups 1

Workshops
Contact hours 20
Number of groups 4

Assessment: