THEORISING FILM - 2020/1
Module code: MFC2046
Module Overview
This module explores and interrogates a theoretical approach, or selection of theoretical approaches, to film. It is concerned with developing an awareness of either an individual, or number of, conceptual frameworks that have been used in Film Studies and the debates that surround these frameworks.
Module provider
School of Literature and Languages
Module Leader
POULAKI Maria (Music & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
Module cap (Maximum number of students): 30
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 117
Lecture Hours: 33
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None.
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Classical film theory
Structuralist and post-structuralist film theory
Cognitive film theory
Psychoanalytical film theory
Post-modernist film theory
Cultural studies and film theory
Feminism and Queer theory in film
Ideology
Phenomenological film theory
Assessment pattern
Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
---|---|---|
Oral exam or presentation | GROUP PRESENTATION WITH SELF-REFLECTION | 25 |
Coursework | READING RESPONSE | 25 |
Coursework | ESSAY | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
Recorded presentation replacesgroup presentation (25%)
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to discover, explore and interrogate film theories and to apply these to contemporary cinematic conditions and share their knowledge with the class (group presentation), understand, analyse and critically respond to film theory (reading response), approach and analyse a cinematic case study through an appropriate theoretical perspective (essay)
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
Group presentation with individual self reflection of 500 words – week 5
Reading response (700 words) – week 8
Essay (1800 words) – exam period
Formative assessment and feedback
Verbal feedback to interpretation of film theory in weekly seminars
One-to-one feedback on essay outlines (submitted in week 10)
Verbal feedback on class contributions and presentations
Module aims
- Give students an in-depth knowledge of one or several theoretical approaches to understanding film
- Position these theoretical approaches within broader critical, philosophical and media debates
- Give students a theoretical basis from which to develop a specific topic later in their study programme
Learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | ||
1 | Identify and critique contemporary theoretical issues in Film Studies | KCPT |
2 | Historicise different film theoretical approaches | KCT |
3 | Apply film theoretical models and concepts to specific film cases | KCPT |
4 | Critically respond to theoretical approaches | KCT |
5 | Develop individual research questions in relation to theories of film | KCPT |
6 | Articulate the above skills verbally and in writing | KCPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Provide students with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to be able to understand and analyse film theoretical texts
Guide students through the analysis of film theory
Aid students in exploring and discussing possible applications of film theory
Encourage development of critical skills and articulation of original research questions
The learning and teaching methods include:
Lecturer presentations using illustrative materials
Seminar discussions
Student presentations
- Debates
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MFC2046
Other information
This module has a capped number and may not be available to ERASMUS and other international exchange students. Please check with the International Engagement Office email: ieo.incoming@surrey.ac.uk
MFC2046-002 GROUP PRESENTATION WITH SELF-REFLECTION @ ORAL 25%, READING RESPONSE @CW 25%, ESSAY @ CW 50%
Programmes this module appears in
Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
---|---|---|---|
English Literature with Creative Writing BA (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
English Literature BA (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
English Literature and French BA (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
English Literature and Spanish BA (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
English Literature with German BA (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
English Literature with Film Studies BA (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.