Early and Silent Cinema, 1895-1929

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand and engage with the critical debates concerning early film history and aesthetics
• Organise primary research within the framework of a reasoned and coherent argument
• Apply and test the critical models associated with early film aesthetics
• Undertake primary research in a national and local archive in order to pursue a line of historical inquiry

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Effectively research a topic or issue in a local or national archive
• Construct a reasoned argument based on archival research and the analysis of texts, critical material and primary research data
• Accurately summarise primary, archival research material as well as published arguments and reports found in secondary sources

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The main issues and debates that surround the study of film in the period between 1895-1929
• Understand the salient historical developments in film history of this period and their significance
• The historical development of film exhibition practices between 1910-1929
• Place local historical archive work within the context of the national and international history of film during this period
• Analyse early and silent film texts based on accurate historical understanding
• The historical development of the Hollywood film industry in relation to the European film industry between 1895-1929

The subject of Early Cinema is a lively one and is a particular branch of Film Studies that has been a significant force in recent film and media scholarship. No longer the preserve of archivists, this subject has made an impact on cultural studies, social history, studies in aesthetics, reception studies and histories of technology. This module is an exploration of the main issues and debates that surround the study of film in the period between 1895-1928. In the first part of the module the focus is on the early period 1895-1912 and the move from novelty to narrative. The second part is organised around the development of the feature, the changing exhibition practices and the rise of the Hollywood industry from 1912-1920 with a particular focus on the cultural and historical context of exhibition and reception in Britain. The third part of the module utilises case studies to explore the intertwining nature of the aesthetics and politics of the Hollywood silent films of the Twenties.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Screenings
• Individual tutorials

Learning activities include

• Essay
• Preparing and delivering presentations
• Archival research project
• Individual study

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Lee Grieveson and Peter Kramer (eds) (2004). The Silent Cinema Reader. London: Routledge.

David Robinson (1996). From Peep Show to Palace: The Birth of American Film. Columbia University Press.

Assessment strategy

1) Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback:

• Contribute actively to the weekly seminars on an aspect of the reading assignment and the film or films viewed at the screening.
• Informal presentation of archival research in the final three weeks of the module in seminar.
• Advice on essay topics and plans

2) Guidance on oral presentations and feedback on performance

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External