Module manager: Dr Mani King Sharpe
Email: m.sharpe@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module explores what we understand by the term genre in film. Genre films have comprised the bulk of cinematic practice throughout film history and, with their popularity showing no sign of abating, they continue to dominate commercial venues the world over. The study of genre has traditionally been located around Hollywood - overwhelmingly a cinema of genres - but how have other World Cinemas generated their own patterns of genre success? The module typically begins with traditional Hollywood genres such as Film Noir, the War Film, and Melodrama, before considering how other World Cinemas have engaged with this ostensibly American 'genre' before moving on to other case studies (which may include melodrama, action, and horror, amongst others). The module also considers the tensions between genre and notions of authorship. 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.
The aim of this module is to: offer a polycentric approach to the study of film genre, rather than the traditional approach which favours Hollywood; teach students to question linear understandings of the term 'genre' as a largely Western phenomenon; introduce students to a range of genres from different national/world cinemas; explore tensions between genre filmmaking and notions of authorship in World Cinemas.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1) critically analyse and evaluate genre films;
2) distinguish between and apply theories of genre
3) Understand and examine critically genre cinema in historical contexts
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Analyse and synthesise ideas from a range of 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in Session | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 160 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback through peer feedback and full-group feedback. Such feedback will be generated through in-class discussions, and will be based on pre-seminar tasks. Students receive feedback on the first piece of coursework in week 8.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| Coursework | Literature review | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
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