What defines a film genre? Why do genres tend to be popular with audiences, and how do film industries capitalise on them? Focusing on a specific genre (which can be horror, sci-fi, Western, musical, etc.), you will explore its narrative and stylistic features, alongside the history of its modes of production and reception. You will understand the historical events that have impacted the production of the films belonging to the genre in question, from commercial to political and cultural matters. You will also apply relevant theories to analyse a genre film’s narrative and aesthetics. These can include theories of sound and image, representation, allegorical readings, psychoanalysis, cognitive theories, or theories of new media and the digital image, as appropriate. By the end of this module, you will understand the significance of genre to filmmakers, audiences and film industries in the expression of artistic and commercial ideas.
Lecture & Screening: 24 hours
Seminar: 16
Main assessment methods:
Essay 1
Assessment Details: Short essay (1,000 words). Worth 40%.
Essay 2
Assessment Details: Final essay (2,000 words). Worth 60%.
Reassessment Method:
Like-for-like
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On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Analyse the narrative and stylistic characteristics of a film genre.
2) Critically apply theories of genre, authorship, self-reflexivity, national allegory, reception, psychoanalysis, and cognitive approaches to film, as appropriate.
3) Evaluate the historical context for the development of a film genre, and identify the cultural, political and social frameworks that both inform the genre and are reflected on it.
4) Identify how a film genre reflects the modes of production, distribution and exhibition of the relevant film industry.
5) Critically evaluate tensions between key concepts impacting the study of genre, such as: uniqueness and repetition, artistic and commercial, artisanal and industrial, mainstream and marginal, classical and modern.
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