Module overview
The module builds on the foundation established by your work during year 1 Film. Furthermore the view that film can be viewed as an artform, cultural and historical artefact, and an industry is central to its rationale will be examined.
Linked modules
FILM1001 or FILM2006 or FILM1027 or FILM1020
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of aspects of the cultural and industrial context in which British filmmakers work
- produce a detailed analysis of the case study films discussed
- identify and articulate some of the central concerns expressed in the work of a selection of leading British contemporary filmmakers
- demonstrate an understanding of the different genres, trends and traditions of British filmmaking
- employ appropriate critical theories and arguments when discussing the films studied
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- access and employ relevant criticism when presenting an argument
- contribute critically and reflectively to academic discussion
- master digital tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Sway to create well-designed and informative content
- write a detailed, critically informed analysis of the work of the British filmmakers studied
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the different genres, trends and traditions of British filmmaking
- the cultural and industrial context in which the filmmakers often work
- key concepts within film studies, such as authorship and cinematic representation, particularly relevant to the analysis of the films studied
- thematic concerns and stylistic motifs apparent in the work of some key contemporary British filmmakers
- the contribution made by critics and theorists to the study of contemporary British filmmakers
Syllabus
This module builds on the foundation established by your work at Level One. Each week, you will be introduced to a particular genre, trend or tradition of British filmmaking, from social realism and heritage cinema, to Black British film and new Scottish cinema. You will also have the opportunity to examine the cultural and industrial factors which have shaped and are continuing to shape filmmaking in the UK. In the seminars, you will be expected to lead discussions on the week's topic, screening and readings. You will also be encouraged to widen your knowledge by studying the work of other contemporary British filmmakers not included in the module, where appropriate. In this way the module offers you the opportunity to develop a good knowledge and critical understanding of contemporary British cinema, and the particular context in which British films are produced, distributed and consumed.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- lectures
- weekly screenings of a case-study film
- seminars with group discussions on the week's topic, screening, and readings
- opportunities for one-to-one discussion with the tutor in office hours.
Learning activities include
- individual study/research
- designing a digital presentation and film programme
- contributing to seminar discussions
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 36 |
| Independent ÃÛÌÒTV | 114 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
There is a good provision of DVDs and critical reading available for the filmmakers studied.
Textbooks
John Fitzgerald (2010). ÃÛÌÒTVing British Cinema: 1999-2009. Auteur.
Robert Murphy (ed) (2008). The British Cinema Book. BFI.
Sarah Street (2008). British National Cinema. Routledge.
(2011). Film England: Culturally English Filmmaking since the 1990s. I.B. Tauris.
Emma Bell & Neil Mitchell (eds) (2012). Dictionary of World Cinema: Britain. Intellect.
James Leggott (2008). Contemporary British Cinema. Wallflower.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback - You will be encouraged to discuss preparation for your formal assessments - You will have the opportunity to seek individual advice on your work in progress by appointment with your tutor - Guidance and advice on the preparation, completion and presentation of work will be given in class Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods and the planned learning outcomes - Lectures will provide an overview of different genres and traditions in British filmmaking - Screenings will focus on a recent British film which illustrates the week's topic. - Seminars will involve group discussions on the week's topic, screening and readings, along with guidance on the assignments. - You will analyse key films of the British filmmakers studied; in particular, looking at thematic and stylistic aspects. Designing a digital presentation will develop your understanding, research skills, and design skills. - Your own understanding and knowledge of British contemporary filmmakers and the context in which they work will be developed both by discussion in the seminars and by tutor feedback on your assignments.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 70% |
| Digital presentation | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Digital presentation | 30% |
| Assignment | 70% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 70% |
| Digital presentation | 30% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External