Module Code - Title:

CU4026 - HOW TO READ A FILM: INTRODUCTION TO FILM STUDIES

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

3

Lab

0

Tutorial

0

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

CU4025

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

* To introduce students to the field of film studies. * To give students the theoretical tools to analyse film. * To give a European perspective on the film industry.

Syllabus:

This module will make the distinction between knowing a lot about films and being able to address the question what is cinema. To this end the module will examine the techniques of film, critical approaches and how major theoretical movements have been applied to this field.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module students should be able to: - distinguish different theoretical and philosophical approaches to film studies - articulate these theories in a succinct manner - apply theory to whole films - undertake the analysis of film extracts based on theoretical principles - compare different theoretical approaches.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Not applicable

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Not applicable

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Students will have three lecture/ tutorial contact hours. These will be delivered in one session to facilitate the showing of extended extracts and entire films. The session will include lecture style presentation, discussion and practical analysis. Students will be expected to deliver group and individual presentation on selected topics.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Not applicable

Prime Texts:

Mast, G., L. Braudy and M. Cohen (2004) Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings , OUP

Lapsley, R. and M. Westlake (2006) Film Theory: An Introduction , Manchester University Press

Jackel, A. (2003) European Film Industries , BFI International

Other Relevant Texts:

Bordwell, D. and K. Thompson (2005) Film Art: An Introduction with Film Viewer's Guide and Tutorial , McGraw-Hill

Geiger, J. and R. L. Rutsky, eds. (2005) Film Analysis: A Norton Reader , Norton

Storey, J. (2005) Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction , Prentice Hall

Monaco, J. (2000) How to Read a Film: The World of Movies, Media, Multimedia - Language, History, Theory , OUP

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

Barrie.Wharton@ul.ie