FI110-15 Screen Technologies
Introductory description
This module explores the causes and consequences of moments of significant technological change and obsolescence in the history of moving image media. Students will explore both technologies of exhibition (from cinema projection to home video formats and platforms) and production technologies. Of course, these two often cannot be clearly separated, so interrelations and points of overlap will become evident as the term progresses.
Module aims
The module’s weekly case studies allow students to consider the technologies in relation to a range of cultural contexts. Students will examine how social, industrial and aesthetic factors inform technological change. Throughout the module students will reflect on how new screen technologies may be related to both changes and continuities in modes of spectatorship, film cultures and aesthetics.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1 – The invention of cinema and early film (1893-1900) as a ‘cinema of attractions’
Weeks 2-4 - Home video: key technologies and their impact on spectatorship and film cultures. Focusing on VHS (week 2), DVD (week 3), Video on Demand (week 4)
Weeks 5-8 - Key production technologies and their impact on film aesthetics and film cultures. Photography (week 5), sound (week 7), colour (week 8)
Weeks 9 and 10 - Digital production technologies and their impact on film aesthetics and film cultures. Digital filmmaking (week 9) and computer-generated imagery (week 10)
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Evaluate the relative importance of the social, industrial and aesthetic factors which inform and instigate technological change.
- Demonstrate familiarity with, and an ability to interrogate, important theoretical approaches to questions of technological evolution and change.
- Analyse various ways in which technological developments affect the representational and aesthetic properties of screen media.
- Reflect on the extent to which the technologies through which you access screen media, and the conditions and paratexts associated with these technologies, shape your experience.
- Judge the historiographical value of different kinds of evidential sources.
Indicative reading list
See Talis Aspire link above for full reading list
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
This module develops skills of audio-visual literacy, through close textual and/or contextual analysis in relation to the moving image and sound. It may also develops understandings of historical, theoretical and conceptual frameworks relevant to screen arts and cultures.
Transferable skills
- critical and analytical thinking in relation
- independent research skills
- team work
- clarity and effectiveness of communication, oral and written
- accurate, concise and persuasive writing
- audio-visual literacy
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Other activity | 18 hours (12%) |
| Private study | 64 hours (43%) |
| Assessment | 50 hours (33%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Weekly readings, independent research and preparing material to discuss in seminars.
Other activity description
Film Screenings
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective journal 1200 words | 40% | 20 hours | Yes (extension) |
| Essay 1800 words | 60% | 30 hours | Yes (extension) |
Feedback on assessment
Detailed written feedback accompanying return of essays; follow-up tutorials on essay as requested.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UFIA-W620 Undergraduate Film Studies