The module covers the history of European film from silent cinema to the present day, placing particular emphasis on the inter-war years, the post-war period and the contemporary moment. Following an introductory lecture presenting the overarching themes and questions examined throughout the module, each of the three key phases are covered in three lectures each. The section focused on inter-war years typically includes lectures on German Expressionism and Soviet Montage, while the post-war portion discusses Italian Neorealism and the French New Wave. In addition to examining national film movements, industrial developments, and political agendas, the module also offers lectures focused on transnational themes and elements in European film culture. Furthermore, while analysing the importance that ‘art cinema’ has played in establishing European cinema as a global concept, we also highlight the enduring importance of popular genres (such as horror, crime or science-fiction) across different European countries and pose questions about the complex reciprocal connections between Hollywood and European cinema.
