Introduction to Film Studies

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• describe formal elements of audio-visual language and different filmmaking modes using specialist terminology
• interpret how different elements of film form, narrative and style work together to create meaning

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• effectively research a topic or issue
• constructed a reasoned, well argument based on research and analysis of audio and visual texts

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• basic principles of film form, narrative and style
• varied modes of filmmaking, including the specific form and techniques of the Classical Hollywood style
• specialist terminology for formal elements of audio-visual language

This module is designed for those who are not enrolled on the combined honours Film Studies degree and is taught intensively over 5 weeks. It is a co-requisite module for further study on film courses in years 2 and 3. This module can be taken at the same time as a second year film module with a FILM code. The module will cover different modes of filmmaking and filmic traditions, introducing the basics of film language and techniques of textual analysis.

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• Screenings
• Seminars

Learning activities include

• Independent study and viewing
• Critical thinking, reading and writing
• Engagement in seminar discussions as both speaker and listener
• Preparation of written assignments

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.