Reading Film and Television

Code

INCM2043

School

School of International Communications

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

This module will introduce students to the formal aspects of film and television and the language of textual analysis. The module is intended to encourage students to develop articulate, informed and personal responses to film by equipping learners with key practical and analytical vocabulary and knowledge. The module identifies how filmmakers create meaning within a text and teaches students to recognise how different elements of film work together to create a particular effect. The module assumes no previous knowledge of film studies amongst its students. It examines specific aspects of film style in-depth and introduces students to the new vocabulary associated with such elements. As such it provides an introduction to the analysis of film, its imagery and the mechanics of its construction through weekly topics which cover all four elements of film style. It pays attention to the practical side of film studies, such as shot analysis and recognizing the range of choices that are open to filmmakers in the construction of a film. As well as studying such components students also make critical assessments and comparisons of particular film styles and contexts.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Spring semester.  First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.

Target Students

BA students in International Communications, and related programmes at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

Assessment

• 30% Coursework 1: 1,000 words
• 70% Coursework 2: 2,000 words

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

A student completing this course will typically have: A2. Knowledge of the key components of film style and understanding as to how the integration of such formal elements communicates meaning in a film or films; A5. Specialised knowledge and understanding of key terms and concepts relevant to the practical and aesthetic study of audio-visual texts and the ability to engage critically with these.

Intellectual Skills

By the end of the programme, students should have an ability to: B1. Recognize and accurately describe key components of film style, using key terms and concepts, and examine a variety of moving image texts. B2. Gather evidence and make an argument about the production of meaning in a moving image text, supporting such arguments with evidence.

Professional/Practical Skills

By the end of the programme, students should be able to: C1. Select, sift and synthesize knowledge from various sources; C2. Identify key elements of film style in the production of specific meanings and link them together in an overall interpretation of a film or films. C4. Use a series of software and IT tools to complete assignments.

Transferable/Key Skills

By the end of the programme, students should be able to: D1. Engage in individual re-search and analysis of film style in a particular film or films and present such research effectively; D3. Express themselves clearly, coherently and fluently in writing through essays and reports; D5. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the continuity editing system such that they are able to work together with others to replicate this in a short film sequence; D6. Manage and take responsibility for their own learning; D7. Use IT for re-search purposes.

Conveners

• Dr Mary Jane Ainslie