FI908-30 Screen Cultures and Methods
Introductory description
This core module aims to explore significant methodologies and conceptual frameworks which are central to the study of audio-visual media. The module will be divided into two sections engaging with issues concerning: textual analysis, theoretical paradigms and the historiography of film and then television. The module provides a grounding in key concepts and methods, but will also encourage an advanced level of reflection on the key areas addressed. The module is taught through a combination of screenings, presentations, reading and discussion.
Module aims
This will be the core module for a revised MA course in Film and Television Studies. The module aims to explore important methodologies and conceptual frameworks which are central to the study of audio-visual media. The module will be divided into three sections, each taught over a three week period: (i) textual analysis; (ii) historiography; (iii) theoretical paradigms. The module is intended to offer a grounding in key concepts and methods for MA students who have never studied film and television before, but is also designed to stimulate an advanced level of reflection on the topics covered for students with an undergraduate qualification in the discipline. To suit the needs of both types of students, the module has a distinctive research-led format. It will be run by a single convenor responsible for selecting topics, leading seminar discussion and providing guidance and feedback on assessment. But it is also intended that in most weeks - timetable permitting - there will be a 'guest' presentation from another colleague in the department, who will introduce both the film or television text selected for screening and the set reading in a particular week, and discuss an element of their own research which directly relates to the methodology/theory studied. The convenor will then coordinate seminar discussion following the presentation. The aim is thus to offer an extremely broad range of coverage of key issues and methologies in the field whilst also familiarising students with the specific strengths and distinctive features of the research culture in the department.
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.
The exploration of key methodologies and conceptual frameworks essential to the study of audio-visual media will be divided into the following three sections, each taught over a three week period.
- Textual Analysis
Week One - Mise-en-scène
Week Two - Space and time
Week Three - Televisuality - Historiography
Week Four - Film/television in historical context(s)
Week Five - Archival research in film history
Week Seven - Archival research in television history - Theoretical paradigms
Week Eight - Concepts of realism
Week Nine - Modernity/Postmodernity
Week Ten - Intermediality
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Undertake, and understand the methodological specificities of, close textual analysis of film and television texts.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how audio-visual texts can be interpreted with reference to historical contexts of production and reception
- Identify, locate and analyse archival documents relevant to the historical study of film and television
- Demonstrate understanding of a range of important conceptual paradigms central to current thinking in film and television studies, and make critical judgements on the validity and usefulness of particular theoretical approaches
- Articulate arguments about film and television texts with an enhanced ability to support them with precise and compelling evidence drawn from a range of sources
Indicative reading list
Ian Aitken (2006) Realist Film Theory and Cinema
Robert M. Allen & Douglas Gomery (1986) Film History: Theory and Practice
Jay David Bolter & Richard Grusin (2000) Remediation: Understanding New Media
J. Chapman, M. Glancy & S. Harper (eds) (2009) The New Film History
Alex Clayton & Andrew Klevan (eds) (2011) The Language and Style of Film Criticism
Catherine Constable (2009) Adapting Philosophy
John Corner (1999) Critical Ideas in Television Studies
Mary Anne Doane (2002) The Emergence of Cinematic Time
John Ellis (2000) Seeing Things: Television in the Age of Uncertainty
Rosalind Galt & Karl Schoonover (eds) (2010) Global Art Cinema
John Gibbs (2002) Mise-en-scène: Film Style and Interpretation
Jonathan Gray (2010) Show Sold Separately: Promos, Spoilers and Other Media Paratexts
John Hill & Pamela Church Gibson (eds) (1998) The Oxford Guide to Film Studies
Barbara Klinger (2006) Beyond the Multiplex
Thomas Leitch (2007) Film Adaptation and its Discontents
Karen Lury (2005) Interpreting Television
Simon Malpas (2005) The Postmodern: The New Critical Idiom
R. Maltby, D. Biltereyst & P. Meers (eds) (2011) Explorations in New Cinema History
Stephen Prince (2012) Digital Visual Effects in Cinema: The Seduction of Reality
Robert Rosenstone (2006) History on Film / Film on History
Janet Staiger (1992) Interpreting Films
Helen Wheatley (ed.) (2007) Re-viewing Television History
George M. Wilson (1986) Narration in Light
Raymond Williams (1974) Television, Technology and Cultural Form
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 (3%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 2 hours (6%) |
| Other activity | 18 hours (6%) |
| Private study | 205 hours (68%) |
| Assessment | 50 hours (17%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
wider viewing and reading, and research in preparation for assessment
Other activity description
9 supervised film/television screenings
The course may involve one visit to a specialist archive
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Portfolio | 100% | 50 hours | No |
|
3 x 2000 word essays |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Essay topics are designed in consultation with the module convenor in tutorials. Extensive written feedback is then produced for each assignment. Tutorial sessions are also offered to further discuss feedback.
Courses
This module is Core option list A for:
- Year 1 of TFIA-W5P1 Postgraduate Taught Film and Television Studies
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 1 of TFIA-W5P3 Postgraduate Taught Film and Television Studies (For Research)
This module is Option list D for:
- Year 1 of TPHA-V7PN Postgraduate Taught Philosophy and the Arts