Module manager: Dr Priyanka Singh
Email: p.singh3@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the questions, theories, and controversies that have informed critical and theoretical debates on women’s film authorship. How have women directors represented the identity of women on-screen, in a variety of national and historical contexts? How have these representations challenged dominant trends and traditions within the history of world cinema? What critical approaches have been used to theorise films made by – and about - women? How does the question of women's authorship link to further questions related to class, race/ethnicity, decolonisation, and intersectionality? Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
There are two central aims of this module. Firstly, it will introduce students to a range of films shot by women directors from around the world. Secondly, it will encourage students to examine debates surrounding women’s film authorship and the representation of women on-screen, using a variety of critical approaches.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the questions, theories and controversies that have informed scholarship on women’s film authorship
2. Analyse the meanings and messages conveyed by a film in relation to the question of women’s authorship
3. Evaluate women’s film authorship as a global and interconnected phenomenon, within a variety of historical, social, cultural, and industrial contexts
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes. They will be able to:
4. Analyse and synthesise ideas from different sources
5. Communicate ideas and arguments effectively
6. Develop and support own interpretations and arguments
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Student progress will be monitored on a regular basis via seminar participation and formative group discussions, which will also allow for peer feedback. Students will also be given formal feedback on their first assignment. This feedback will be formulated to assist students with their final assignment. Furthermore, the final week of teaching will take the form of an assignment clinic, and additional feedback for assignment plans will be offered.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Coursework | Literature review | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team