This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will introduce students to a wide range of films produced in different European and Latin American countries between the late 1980s and the present day. The module will focus on prevailing trends and dominant themes in contemporary European and Hispanic cinemas. The aim is to make students aware of the place which cinema has played and continues to play in the cultural life of Europe and Latin America, its importance in establishing national and supra-national identity, and the ways in which international relations are expressed through film production.
The module will begin with an overview of European and Latin American cinema, and then will be divided into geographically determined sections (Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Mexico) before being brought together again in the final conclusive lecture. The course is also designed to provide students with basic film terminology, as well as with basic tools for cultural analysis.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Essay (2,000 words) – 40%
Presentation (12 minutes) – 10%
Examination (2 Hours) – 50%
Corrigan, T. A Short Guide to Writing About Film (New York: Harper Collins, latest edition)
Elena, A. and Marina Díaz López (eds.), (2003). The Cinema of Latin America (London: Wallflower Press)
Ezra, E. (ed.), (2004). European Cinema (Oxford: Oxford University Press)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the political and social contexts in which these films were made;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance and complexities of cultural representations for individuals and national societies;
- Demonstrate their ability to analyse examples of European and Latin American cinema;
- Demonstrate an understanding of narrative processes and modes of representation at work in film;
- Demonstrate an appreciation of cultural diversity;
- Demonstrate their skills in the field of comparative study;
- Demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively;
- Demonstrate their ability to plan and write an essay and to organise it in terms of a coherent argument.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
