Module manager: Mani King Sharpe
Email: m.sharpe@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides an advanced introduction to key historical and theoretical developments in world cinema. Utilising a global and cross-cultural perspective, the module critically examines and explores significant theoretical movements and critical debates in screen studies, including Feminist Film Theory, Critical Race Theory, Semiotics, Narratology, Cognitive Film Theory and Queer Theory. These theories and approaches will be explored through a diverse range of films drawn from world cinema.
The aim of this module is to increase students’ critical awareness of, and engagement with, film and other screen-based media. 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. Furthermore, the module’s global outlook will provide students with the opportunity to engage with films and critical approaches beyond Western and Hollywood contexts.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1) Apply various critical approaches to screen studies
2) Demonstrate knowledge of key critical concepts and their historical development
3) Identify potential limitations in the ideas of film scholars and critical approaches
4) Appraise multiple secondary sources to support textual analysis of film
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will develop the following skills:
5) Convey information effectively through written discourse
6) Communicate ideas about critical approaches through group work
7) Engage in analytical and critical thinking
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in Session | 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 | ||
Student progress will be monitored on a regular basis via classroom participation, monitored group discussion and seminar tasks. Students will also receive formal, written feedback as part of their presentation grading. Furthermore, students will be offered one-to-one assessment surgeries where they can discuss and develop their final essay.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Coursework | Group Presentation | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits will follow the same format of assessment. Group presentation resits will follow a similar format, with the requirements revised as required.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team