AT2C1G: US Cinema: Studies in Genre

Module Provider:

English

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn

Module Convenor:

Mr D Pye

Pre-requisites:

AT1ALF

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
Core modules acquaint students with the techniques and methods of the respective disciplines, and increase their knowledge and understanding of aspects of American society and culture. The film core module focuses on the popular cinema of the United States (Hollywood) which was central to the development of the major discourses of film studies and which remains crucial to the understanding of many 'alternative' cinemas. The module aims: to extend students' knowledge and understanding of the cinema's dominant narrative tradition, including the contexts of industrial practice and change in US cinema; to develop their awareness of major critical and theoretical approaches to the analysis of popular film based on the notion of genre and to enhance skills of critical analysis, informed by appropriate analytical frameworks.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

Additional outcomes:
The module plays a significant role in the development of other skills and competencies which are central to the programme: oral communication and argument in group situations; appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking self-directed, independent work; presentation of written work using IT; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis of film.

Outline content:
The module will explore significant aspects of Hollywood Cinema from the silent period to the 1960s, allowing for consideration of issues central to the study of US popular film and building upon concepts and methods developed in previous units, particularly the role of ideological analysis in the study of films and their contexts. The specific areas selected for study in any year will vary but a 'case study' approach will normally be taken. In recent years, two genres have been explored (e.g. film noir and melodrama) and the varied claims and possibilities of genre theory investigated, but other case studies could include, for instance, an introduction to the analysis of 'entertainment' cinema, focusing on the musical and comedy. In its focus on the 'studio period' the module will also consider the structures of the film industry, their evolution from the 1920s to the 1960s, and the relationships between individual films and their production contexts.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The normal teaching pattern will be one lecture and one one-hour seminar per week. Seminars will require preparation in terms of film viewing and specified reading, and short seminar papers will be prepared by individuals or small groups as a basis for group discussion.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework:
Students will complete two assignments each equivalent to 3,000 words, both in Autumn Term.
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Resubmission by 1 September.