Film Studies, a relatively young academic discipline, traces its origins to both the humanities and social sciences. Although some of contemporary Film Studies derives from the literary traditions of genre, thematic or textual analysis, major swathes of the field are now delving into wider and often interdisciplinary investigations of aesthetic, technological, economic and/or social formations of cinema, film and wider media culture. This module acquaints students with a variety of sources, methods and methodologies currently used in film scholarship and how to talk about them in rigorous ways. It empowers students to read and understand how researchers in the discipline strategically use sources and methods to answer research questions and advance knowledge, and to be able to apply these insights in their own research and enquiry. In carrying out this investigation students will be encouraged to work with archives and primary sources, and to critically evaluate received histories by interrogating methodological procedures and assumptions. Students will apply their acquisition of knowledge, for example, by compiling annotated bibliographies, annotated portfolios of sources, short writing exercises and then writing an essay on an aspect of film history that includes a reflection on the sources and methods used. The choice of time period(s) and case studies will differ from year-to-year, depending upon the expertise of the module convenor.
Total Contact Hours: 55
Private Study Hours: 245
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods:
Digital Portfolio – 50%
Essay (3500 words) – 50%
Reassessment methods:
Like-for-like
Indicative Reading List:
Allen, R. C. & Gomery, D. (1985). Film History: Theory and Practice, New York: McGraw Hill
Biltereyst, D., Maltby, R. & Meers, P. (eds.), (2011). New Cinema History: approaches and case studies, Cambridge: WileyBlackwell
Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K., (2009). Film History: an introduction, New York: McGraw Hill
Grainge, P. et al (eds.), (2007). Film Histories: an introduction and reader, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
Staiger, J., (1992). Interpreting Film: Studies in the Historical Reception of American Cinema, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding and a critical awareness of a variety of sources, methods and methodologies currently used in film scholarship;
2 Critically evaluate how researchers in the discipline strategically use sources and methods to answer research questions and advance knowledge, and to be able to apply these insights in their own research and enquiry;
3 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how primary source material can be made of use for their own film historical research;
4 Research and write on an aspect of film history.
9. The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Critically analyse and make use of reading material and conceptual frameworks;
2 Give sustained attention and concentration to examination of the details of texts;
3 Demonstrate advanced skills of cogency, structure and presentation of arguments;
4 Communicate appropriately according to purpose.
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