Module Resources
Video showing facilities, library.
Module Texts
Film-Philosophy, Internet Journal.
Allen and Smith, eds. Film Theory and Philosophy, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1997.
Freeland and Wartenberg, eds. Film and Philosophy, Routledge, 1995.
Irving Singer, Reality Transformed: Film as Meaning and Technique, MIT, 2000.
Cavell, The World Viewed: Reflections on the Ontology of Film, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1979.
Carroll, Theorizing The Moving Image, Cambridge UP, 1996.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Portfolio to include two essays (total of 2,500 words) comprising an analysis of the philosophical ideas in, one of the contrasting ways they are introduced and developed in, two films of the student's choice. The essays will provide evidence of all the above learning outcomes
Module Indicative Content
This module will seek to introduce classic themes in philosophy such as the nature of time, of personal identity, of reality, or of the reliability of sensible experience. It will do so by discussing the portrayal and development of these themes that is implicit with a series of films. Appropriate films might include: Memento, Smoke, Lost Highway, The Truman Show, etc. In addition, the opportunity will also be taken up to discuss the manner in which philosophical ideas can be raised and developed through means other than conventional philosophical prose: e.g. through the construction of narrative, character, scene, voice, point-of-view, etc.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will on alternate weeks consist of a whole group film screening (approximately 2 contact hours) followed by a one-hour seminar group discussion, generally tutor-led. Additional sessions at the end of the semester will be scheduled to help students prepare and plan their assessment.