Assignment (100%)
A 2500 word fully referenced essay investigating one or more theoretical frameworks within the field of Screen Studies.
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4]

Formative assessment
Contribution to discussion and critical review in class
Review of draft independent investigation in individually selected format

In this module you will consider a range of film and television products in order to explore the way that they can be discussed in terms of style, genre, directorial intentions and target audiences. You will be introduced to established theories that have been developed to allow discussions of moving image productions, which in turn will help you express intentions when working in the industry. These theories may include representation, genre, semiotics, structure and narrative studies, post-modernism, ideology, gender studies and audience theory. You will consider film and TV theories in the context of the changing situation that has arisen due to the introduction of new technologies and the increase in avenues and platforms for reaching an audience.

Broadly speaking, in the 20th century productions were made with particular consideration either for the large cinema screen or for television, and discussion of their qualities was clearly defined in terms of one or the other. The introduction of new technologies and changes in legislation has opened up new markets and routes to consumers, converging the traditional moving image platforms into a complex range of opportunities. In this module you will explore how this has affected discussions of moving image, applying the theoretical concepts from both Film Studies and Television Studies in a merged, converged Screen Studies framework.

We live in a culture increasingly flooded with moving images to which we are exposed from an early age, even before we have learned to speak: viewing and comprehension can become automatic and we do it without thinking. When you are employed in the moving image sector you will need to be able to bring these thought processes to the fore in order to discuss your own work and that of others, and share your ideas using professional and industry recognised language. In this module you will develop the skills and vocabulary to do this, through the investigation of established theoretical approaches to analysis, enabling you to have greater insight into screen products. This will lead to enriched readings of moving image, uncovering how meaning is created through a variety of audio-visual techniques and evolving technical conventions.

This module will equip you with a solid understanding of a range of theoretical approaches to evaluating film and TV as texts, enabling you to offer close readings of films and television programmes from more than one theoretical perspective and giving you a range of contexts within which to consider your own creative ambitions and moving image practice. You will achieve this through applying the underlying theories to a range of different moving image productions.

You will explore Screen Studies through the following strategies:
• Structured theory lectures
• Screenings of moving image products followed by critical review
• Seminars discussing different theoretical frameworks using moving image examples
• Formative discussions
• Workshops and demonstrations
• Negotiation of a topic for personal investigation.
• Independent research and presentation of information
• 1:1 tutorials
To extend the learning that takes place in class your will be expected to engage in independent study outside of timetabled sessions.

Video projector
Wide range of clips
Seminar room
Audio Software
Post-production software

Benshoff H. (2015) Film and Television Analysis: An Introduction to Methods, Theories and Approaches: Routledge
Bordwell D and Thompson K (2013) Film Art: An Introduction: HSSL Publishing
Gillespie M and Toynbee J (2006) Analysing Media Texts (Volume 4) (Issues in Culture / Media Studies): Open University Press
Hill J. (2002) The Oxford Guide to Film Studies: Open University Press
Strinati D. (2004) An Introduction to Theories of Popular Culture: Routledge

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNDERLYING CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF A RANGE OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS DRAWN FROM FILM STUDIES AND TV STUDIES.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. MAKE CRITICAL READINGS OF FILM AND TV TEXTS USING A RANGE OF THEORETICAL APPROACHES. [Analysis]

3. DEVELOP CLEAR COHERENT ARGUMENTS SUPPORTING A RANGE OF CLOSE TEXTUAL READINGS OF FILM AND TELEVISION WORKS.
[Communication]

4. EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DIFFERENT THEORETICAL APPROACHES IN ORDER TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CLOSE TEXTUAL READINGS.
[Problem Solving]