Module Code - Title:
CU4026
-
HOW TO READ A FILM: INTRODUCTION TO FILM STUDIES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
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.
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:
Monaco, J. (2000)
How to Read a Film: The World of Movies, Media, Multimedia - Language, History, Theory
, OUP
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
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN NEW MEDIA AND ENGLISH
BACHELOR OF ARTS INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED ACCESS
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LAW PLUS)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MUSIC MEDIA AND PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Barrie.Wharton@ul.ie