FI908-30 Advanced Methods in Screen Studies: Analysis, History, Theory
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 introduce aspects of textual analysis, historiography, and theoretical and conceptual paradigms, across film and television. The module provides a grounding in key concepts and methods, but it will also encourage an advanced level of reflection on the key areas addressed. It is taught through a combination of screenings, presentations, reading and discussion.
Module aims
The module aims to explore important methodologies and conceptual frameworks which are central to the study of audio-visual media. The module will address three main aspects, each usually 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 it 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 team-taught format, drawing on the range of expertise from academic staff in the department, who will contribute to the teaching of topics that directly relate to their own research. The aim is thus to offer a broad range of coverage of key issues and methologies in the field while 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.
It is expected that the 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. The specific topics are indicative and may vary, depending on the research interests of the module teaching team.
- 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 | 255 hours (85%) |
| 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 A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Portfolio | 100% | No | |
|
3 x 2000-word essays |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
Essay topics are designed by the module convenor and teaching team. Extensive written feedback is produced for each assignment. Tutorial sessions are also offered to further discuss feedback.
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- FI931-30 Special Topic II: Case Studies in Film and/or Television
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of TFIA-W5P1 Postgraduate Taught Film and Television Studies
This module is Core option list A for:
- Year 1 of TFIA-W5P1 Postgraduate Taught Film and Television Studies