FILM1002 Introduction to Film II: European Cinema
Module Overview
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. It examines national film cultures as well as the transnational elements of European film history.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
- Develop an understanding of the historical, stylistic and thematic developments in European film from silent cinema to the present day, with a particular focus on the following three phases: (1) the inter-war years, (2) the post-war period and (3) the contemporary moment. - Foster analytical ability in dealing with theoretical discourse and in the interpretation of audio-visual form - Introduce research skills such as locating and evaluating sources
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the history of European cinema, both as an art form and as a mass medium, in different cultural contexts and transnationally
- distinguishing and evaluating historical periods, artistic movements, and national (political, social, and cultural) contexts
- discourses surrounding the distinction between popular culture and high art in European cinema
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- engage with a range of different critical methodologies, and evaluate their use value for the interpretation of audio-visual texts and historical developments
- identify narrative, and audio-visual strategies and techniques in films, and interpret these according to selected critical methodologies
- structure written work towards communicating a lucid and original argument that draws on a wide range of secondary sources
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- research a specific subject, using a range of resources (such as books, journal articles, internet data);
- organise your time
- conduct research
- present written work in an appropriate style, with consistent referencing, proper bibliography and filmography, and conforming to grammatical conventions
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate an awareness of historical paradigms in Film Studies, and combine this with the tools of textual analysis acquired on the previous core module FILM1001.
Syllabus
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.
Special Features
The close textual analysis requires you to describe the formal elements of a specific film scene and interpret how the mise-en-scene, editing, cinematography and sound work together to create meaning. Here you will work exclusively with a film text and formulate your own arguments. The bibliographical essay is designed to encourage research into a particular mode of filmmaking, but it is also an opportunity to learn the basic tool of evaluating secondary sources. Students need to demonstrate that they have undertaken a sufficient amount of reading; that they have understood the basic parameters and arguments of the texts they are discussing, and that they have used bibliographical and referencing conventions properly. The final essay is designed to give students an opportunity to address theoretical arguments about European Cinema. In addition to the criteria applying to the first assignment, students will also be judged on how well they comprehend explicitly theoretical texts, how they synthesise critical information, how they construct and structure a coherent and convincing argument, and on their abilities to interpret visual and narrative information. Finally, students are also required to give one un-assessed presentation during the module, either individually or as part of a group. This informal assignment is a formative learning activity that allows you to explore and develop an in-depth understanding of another element of European cinema while also developing transferable skills.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning activities Teaching methods include • Lectures • Screenings • Seminars Learning activities include • Written essays • Informal presentation • Independent study and research
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 72 |
| Independent Study | 228 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Elizabeth Ezra (ed.) (2004). European Cinema.
Catherine Fowler (ed.) (2002). The European Cinema Reader.
Assessment
Assessment Strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback - individual and/or group tutorials on essay topics and plans - guidance on presentations, followed by feedback after the event, in tandem with self-evaluation
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Critical essay (3500 words) | 50% |
| Essay (2000 words) | 30% |
| Essay (1500 words) | 20% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Linked modules
FILM1001