This module examines some of the key works of French cinema since 1990. All of the films will be studied within their cultural background and within the context of French cinema history. Students will be invited to develop important themes such as race and national identity, changing perceptions of Paris and the banlieue, and symptoms of social crisis. The aim of the module is to show how French filmmakers have had to invent new forms and styles of film in order to be able to address the specific issues raised by life in modern-day France.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Total Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
• Critical Writing Exercise (500 words) – 20%
• Essay (2,700 words) – 60%
• Presentation (20 minutes) – 20%
Reassessment methods:
• 100% Coursework (2,500 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
Films:
Chacun cherche son chat (Cédric Klapisch, 1996)
Irma Vep (Olivier Assayas, 1996)
Beau travail (Claire Denis, 1999)
Harry, un ami qui vous veut du bien (Dominik Moll, 2000)
Sous le sable (François Ozon, 2000)
Les Glaneurs et la glaneuse (Agnès Varda, 2000)
Caché (Michael Haneke, 2005)
Les Chansons d'amour (Christophe Honoré, 2007)
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 critical and detailed appreciation of some of the key issues raised in contemporary French cinema and cinematic discourse;
2 Demonstrate a coherent understanding of the relationship between cinematographic form and content;
3 Demonstrate a knowledge of technical terms relating to cinema;
4 Demonstrate their ability to critically analyse and describe filmic narratives and the ways in which they are made;
5 Demonstrate their appreciation of the differences/similarities between the filmic and the literary;
6 Demonstrate comprehensive appreciation of cultural diversity;
7 Demonstrate their ability to search for vividness and detail in contemporary French cinema.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Write cogent, well-constructed essays, developing sustained arguments, and supported by textual evidence;
2 Give finely-honed presentations, and run seminars independently;
3 Reflect on their own learning, plan their use of time, and identify appropriate directions for further study;
4 Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a number of sources (problem solving);
5 Make effective use of information technology (e.g. word processing, library searches).
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.
