Module overview
This module is primarily concerned with familiarising you with the basic principles of film form and film style, as well as key methodologies of film analysis. The module introduces different formal and stylistic traditions and varied modes of filmmaking, including the specific form and style of the classical Hollywood cinema. As a whole, the module covers a diverse selection of films.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- specialist terminology for elements of film form and film style
- varied modes of filmmaking, including the specific form and style of the classical Hollywood cinema
- basic principles of film form and film style
- key methodologies of film analysis
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- construct a reasoned, well-structured argument based on research and analysis of audiovisual works, including both written analysis and the creation of a video essay
- effectively research a topic or issue
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- engage with and apply analytical methodologies covered in the module
- describe elements of film form and film style and different filmmaking modes using specialist terminology
- analyse how different elements of film form and film style work together to perform specific functions and achieve specific effects
Syllabus
The module will cover different modes of filmmaking and diverse film traditions. The first five weeks will be concerned with the basics of film form and film style and techniques of audio-visual analysis. The following weeks will focus on developing your analytical skills further in relation to a number of different formal and stylistic traditions.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
• Lectures
• Screenings
• Seminars
• Workshops
Learning activities include
• Independent study and viewing
• Critical thinking, reading and writing
• Engagement in seminar discussions as both speaker and listener
• Preparation of written and audio-visual assignments
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 230 |
| Teaching | 70 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
David Bordwell, Kristin Thompson and Jeff Smith (2024). Film Art: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill Inc..
Assessment
Assessment strategy
• assignments and seminars designed to provide informal, on-module feedback • advice on assignment topics and plansSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Audio-visual assessment | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External