Bazin, A (1967 / 1973): What is Cinema? (2 separate volumes) Berkeley: University of California Press
Benyahia, S C & Claire Mortimer. (2012): Doing Film Studies, London: Routledge
Eisenstein, S. (2010): Towards a Theory of Montage Volume 2, London: I B Tauris
Hayward, S. (2000): Key Concepts in Cinema Studies, 2nd Edn. London: Routledge
Villarejo, A. (2013): Film Studies: The Basics, London: Routledge

Further reading is found in the module booklet

The module will feature a variety of learning strategies: screenings; tutor presentations; student-led workshops; and tutorials. You will participate in a weekly three-hour (four-hour) session, which will incorporate a variety of activities. These will include: screenings of relevant documentary or film material; small group research or analysis exercises; student feedback on research undertaken between sessions, either in groups or individually; and discussion of module issues.

Key Information Set:
Learning & Teaching:
32% Scheduled L & T Activities;
68% Guided Independent Learning

This module introduces you to the analysis of cinema in both a contextual and textual sense. First, you will investigate the industrial, economic, and creative context in which a film is produced, as well as its critical and audience reception. Second, you will be trained to analyse films textually in order to unlock potential meanings inherent within them, via mise-en-scene and editing.

This analysis is split into TWO components:

1. You will research and analyse critically the production, marketing, distribution, critical reception, and commercial performance of the module's case study film. (Knowledge & Understanding, Communication, Learning, Application) (50% weighting)

2. You will select an extract from a narrative feature film of your choice. The extract should be of either between two or three minutes' duration or between ten to fifteen shots in length. First, you will write a brief introduction, describing the reasons(s) for your choice. Second, you will conduct a detailed shot analysis breakdown, following a supplied template. Third, you will write a summative interpretation of the extract, explaining how the cinematography, production design, sound design, editing, and acting performance function to generate meaning and/or emotional affects. (Analysis, Communication, Learning, Application) (50% weighting)

Further specific details of the assessment will be provided in the module booklet.

Key Information Set:
Assessment:
100% Coursework

The Film Theatre, including its surround sound system and high quality digital VHS/DVD projection facility.
Good, spacious workshop classroom, with adequate DVD/VHS screening facility and ample seating.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module.