FILM1002 Introduction to Film II: European Cinema

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.

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

Resources & Reading list

Catherine Fowler (ed.) (2002). The European Cinema Reader. 

Elizabeth Ezra (ed.) (2004). European Cinema. 

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

Referral

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

FILM1001