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Languages, Linguistics and Film

Film Studies: Introduction to Hollywood Cinema IFP/ IFJ6003

Outline

The module examines several theoretical aspects of studying film that you will encounter in a core module of an MA Film Studies, including such concepts as how to 'read' a film, cinematic codes, genre analysis and various theoretical approaches (narrative, genre). The module will also explore the history, movements and styles of Hollywood cinema from the 1930s to the present day. You will analyse and comment on film in both written work and seminar discussions.

Aims

The module aims to introduce you to some of the key movements and styles in cinema history, and to develop your understanding of how these are defined and how they relate to one another. It also aims to introduce you to a number of different conceptual frames such as performance, sound, narrative, censorship, genre, editing, and technology.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • show an understanding of some of the major movements of American cinema from the 1930s to the present day;
  • demonstrate the ability to read and comment on films in an informed and coherent manner in both written work and seminar discussions at a level that will lead to potential success on an MA Film Studies; and
  • use critical and technical terms effectively.

Teaching & Learning Methods

You attend two two-hour seminars each week, looking at major movements in US film, and through these introducing a number of theoretical aspects. Usually the first seminar of each week will be used to discuss the overall topic, and the second will concentrate on the film under question.

Assessment

  • Seminar Skills (20% of overall mark)
  • Essay 1,500 words (35% of final overall mark for this module)
  • Portfolio (45% of overall mark).

Reading

A compilation of the essential seminar reading will be distributed throughout the course. Further reading material is available in the main Queen Mary Library

Viewing Films

You will need to view films privately. All the films shown on this course are available on video or DVD in the Queen Mary Library and are available on overnight loan.

Video and DVD playback facilities are available on the second floor of the library.

Who teaches this module?

 

Philippa Kennedy

p.m.kennedy@qmul.ac.uk

Simon Pate

s.m.pate@qmul.ac.uk

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