FILM3009 Science Fiction Film after 1973

Module Overview

This module aims to introduce you to the genre of utopian and dystopian science-fiction film, in order to examine utopian and dystopian constructions of identity in science-fiction film.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

contemporary examples of relevant films
the debates rehearsed in those films
appropriate critical approaches
issues of representation
the relationship between the audience and the text

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

investigate, discuss and write analytically about specific areas studied within the module
show an awareness of the significance of social and historical context;
investigate the relationship between the films and their audiences;
communicate ideas and arguments effectively in writing
investigate topic boundaries, and their relationship to other disciplinary frameworks

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

write critically, reflectively and accurately
participate productively in academic debate
use a range of secondary material

Syllabus

We will consider a variety of science-fiction films produced from 1973 onwards, to investigate how these imagined communities contribute to a ‘cognitive mapping’ of their contemporary social sphere, a symbolic site where diverse issues can be articulated and negotiated, such as those relating to culture, science, and corporate capitalism; the revisioning of gender and race; and the negotiation of identity through cyberpunk, globalisation and the transnational. A selection of relevant films might include: Outland (1981); Blade Runner (1982); Johnny Mnemonic (1995); Gattaca (1997); Starship Troopers (1997); The Matrix (1999); eXistenZ (1999); Minority Report (2002). The films will be examined with attention to their socio-historical contexts, genre, modes of representation, and audience response, as well as considering approaches based on Williams, Gramsci, Jameson, and Hall.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include • lectures, used to introduce key issues • seminars to discuss ideas and concepts • screenings of relevant films Learning activities include • close reading and careful analysis of films • individual research • presenting ideas/examples to the rest of the seminar

Type	Hours
Completion of assessment task	60
Follow-up work	20
Tutorial	1
Wider reading or practice	19
Lecture	10
Preparation for scheduled sessions	30
Seminar	10
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Christine Cornea (2007). Science Fiction Cinema: Between Fantasy and Reality.

J.P. Telotte (1995). Replications: A Robotic History of the Science Fiction Film.

Sean Redmond, (ed.) (2004). Liquid Metal.

Ziauddin Sardar and Sean Cubitt, (eds) (2002). Aliens R Us.

Vivian Sobchack (1998). Screening Space: The American Science Fiction Film.

Assessment

Assessment Strategy

Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback - You will be encouraged to prepare topics for seminar presentation - You will be encouraged to discuss preparation for your formal assessments: for example, draft plans - You will have the opportunity to seek individual advice on your work in progress by appointment with your tutor - Guidance and advice on the preparation, completion and presentation of work will be given in class Feedback on summative assessments will be given in writing on Film essay cover sheets. You will be given the opportunity to discuss the feedback on your essay in one-to-one tutorials.

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Essay (2500 words)	50%
Essay (2500 words)	50%

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Essay (2500 words)	50%
Essay (2500 words)	50%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External