Module overview
Linked modules
FILM1001 or FILM2006 or FILM1027 or FILM1020
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- analyse ways in which critics have dealt with the ‘genre’ thematically, culturally and formally and highlight the value of each approach.
- discuss the significance of the European influence upon Film Noir in terms of directors and other film personnel as well as the issue of cultural influence.
- evaluate and draw upon a range of academic and filmic sources in order to formulate, structure and justify your own arguments.
- make connections between American Film Noir and its European and global counterparts.
- discuss the development of the term ‘Film Noir’ and give examples of differing critical approaches to its understanding as well as the problematic nature of the term itself.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the different definitions and critical approaches to ‘Film Noir’
- the contribution made by exile / émigré filmmakers in shaping Film Noir.
- issues of sexuality, gender, ethnicity, crime and post-war readjustment
- the significance of iconic stars associated with the genre, such as Edward G Robinson, Joan Crawford, Humphrey Bogart and Barbara Stanwyck.
- the significance of the historical context of America / Europe in the 1940s and 50s, including the relationship between the US government and Hollywood.
- borderline examples of the genre, combined with psychological horror, mystery and western genres, melodrama, etc.
- a range of case-studies in Film Noir and Neo-Noir
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- select, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to formulate cogent arguments and express them effectively in written .
- work independently, making effective use of library resources and demonstrating efficient time management.
- work productively with others and give an effective oral presentation that informs its audience and generates further debate.
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to listen to, contribute to, and lead discussion in group environments of varying sizes.
Syllabus
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Tutorial | 1 |
Lecture | 10 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 20 |
Follow-up work | 20 |
Seminar | 10 |
Completion of assessment task | 69 |
Demonstration | 20 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
James Naremore (2008). More than Night: Film Noir and its Contexts. University of California Press.
Frank Krutnik (1991). In a Lonely Street: Film Noir, Genre, Masculinity. Routledge.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback • advice on essay topics and plans • guidance on seminar leading and feedback on performanceFormative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Group and individual presentation
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 50% |
Essay | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Coursework | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External