MI4017 - Films for Filmmakers 1: Critical Concepts in Film and Television Studies

What will I learn on this module?

This module will introduce you analysing films critically, in order to provide you with an understanding of some of the key ways in which films are constructed and how they communicate information and express ideas. Through learning about a variety of critical approaches to film and television, you will develop academic research skills and analytical techniques that will deepen your understanding of your own creative practice. Topic covered will include: mise-en-scene, sound,, narrative, and editing. We will look at a variety of clips that range across different types of film productions.

How will I learn on this module?

This module is taught by weekly lecture of two hours and weekly seminar groups of one hour,. The lectures (two hours) will provide you with key terms and concepts with which to analyse film and television texts, and will be illustrated by relevant clips and examples.. Seminars (of one hour) will be based around student discussion, and the application of the concepts discussed in the associated lecture to examples. You will therefore be expected to prepare for lectures and seminars by undertaking reading and viewing tasks that will be indicated in the module guide and in supplementary material posted on the e-Learning Portal. You will be encouraged to develop your analytical and communication skills by taking active part in group discussions.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Classes will involve group discussions with the tutor and fellow students, providing a constructive environment for the enhancement of knowledge and understanding of the subject, preparation for the assessment tasks, and the development of communication skills. Class material (such as PowerPoint slides, links to clips) will be accessible via the eLearning portal, alongside supplementary learning material (such as weblinks and suggestions for further viewing/reading). There will be a list of key and further reading available as an electronic reading list, giving direct access to sources. The module will incorporate assessment preparation advice, with guidance on how to approach the assessment task. The module tutor will offer office hours for academic support. You will receive written feedback on your final summative submissions which will detail areas that could be improved in future work. You will also be offered the opportunity to receive further verbal feedback following this formal assessment, so that you can follow up any concerns you have regarding your critical development and future learning.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will gain an understanding of key concepts and issues in film and television studies.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:


2. You will be able to relate examples of film and television to their broader cultural, critical and industrial contexts.

3. You will develop team-working, research and critical reflection skills seminar preparation and participation.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. You will gain an appreciation of some of the ethical, global and cultural contexts of film and television production.

How will I be assessed?

You are required to understand terms and concepts within film and television studies to analyse specific examples in depth, and contrast texts from different historical/cultural contexts.

The assessment is a 2500 word essay. It will require you to apply analytical terms and concepts to a chosen film clip, with some consideration of its place within broader film contexts. The assessment with address all MLOs.

Electronic feedback will be given (via the eLearning Portal) and tutorial feedback is offered; these will aid the development of knowledge and understanding, and communication skills.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Films for Filmmakers 1 introduces you to key analytical and critical concepts associated with the study of film and television. It gives you scope to develop your interpretive skills via close analysis of films from a range of contexts. The weekly lectures (two hours) establish some of the important critical concepts,. The seminars will be based around student group work that involves the application of the concepts to specific examples. In this way, you will gain an appreciation of the historical, generic and cultural influences upon film and television production; your knowledge of these will help you deepen your own creative work.

Course info

UCAS Code P310

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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