2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FILM2055 Critical Approaches to Screen Studies

20 Credits Class Size: 80

Module manager: Jonathan Smith
Email: J.Smith6@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

MODL2230: From Film Noir to Asia Extreme: Questioning Genre in World Cinemas

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

The aim of this module is to increase students’ critical awareness of, and engagement with, film and other screen-based media. Building on the foundations laid in Introduction to Film Studies I & II, the module aims to further students’ knowledge of a range of conceptual frameworks for understanding film’s relationship to reality, other arts, viewers, and society at large.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1) examine more advanced elements of film style, form, and aesthetics through the study of particular film (and other screen) practices
2) develop a greater understanding of some of the frameworks and methodologies used for examining questions of film (and other screen) styles
3) demonstrate knowledge of key critical concepts and discourse in the field
4) develop an understanding of the historical development of film (and other screen media) as a specific medium
5) synthesise various knowledge about world cinemas to generate specific interpretations

Skills outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- apply core concepts and debates in the discipline to various film and media texts and contexts.
- examine more advanced elements of film style, form, and aesthetics through the study of particular film (and other screen) practices
- develop a greater understanding of some of the frameworks and methodologies used for examining questions of film (and other screen) styles
- demonstrate more advanced skills in film analysis
- summarise and synthesise scholarly criticism

Syllabus

This module will focus on some of the key concepts and discourses that determine critical approaches to cinema. It aims to equip students with an understanding of the methods of analysis and thinking specific to the discipline of film studies and the critical approaches that have sought to illuminate the meanings and pleasures of film.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Film Screenings 18 2 36
Lecture 19 1 19
Seminar 20 1 20
Private study hours 125
Total Contact hours 75
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Private study

In addition to viewing films, students will be required to: complete weekly reading and seminar preparation; prepare small group presentations; prepare for the two written assignments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored on a regular basis via classroom participation, monitored group discussion and prepared presentations (formative in Semester 1, assessed in Semester 2).

Students will receive additional feedback and support when planning their assessments. The feedback from the first essay (applied analysis) and the seminar presentations will also be formulated to assist with writing the larger end-of-module essay.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay Essay 1 (applied analysis) 1,500 words 30
Essay Essay 2 - 2,500 words 50
Presentation Verbal presentation in pairs or threes 20
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

The second assessment is defined as ‘essay’ to allow for flexibility. In any given year, the second assessment may take the form of a standard, long essay or a video essay.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team