Module Descriptors

The aim of this module is to stimulate thought and debate in preparation for students to create their individual research proposals. As a result, this module will invite students to examine and reflect upon a range of research methodologies within the context of film studies. The module is divided into two sections. During the first part of the module, students will re-engage with the key tools of Textual Analysis and consider its relationship to specific critical theories associated with the study of film. Drawing on a variety of topics such as gender, sexuality, class, race and postmodernism, the key question for this section will focus on: “How can we use the tools of textual analysis to think about films in relation to key cultural theories?” The second section of the module will introduce students to practice-based research. During this part of the module, students will be invited to reflect critically on their own practice. In line with the key learning and teaching strategy embedded within the School of B&CI, an Enquiry-based learning model will be employed across the module.  In addition to this, the module will be underpinned by a library research session and a drop-in ‘pre-assessment surgery’ where students will receive formative feedback on their assignment plans.

• Critical engagement with research skills


• Engaging and reflection on research skills


• Cultural theories in film studies


• Research methods in film studies


• Critical reading

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of major theoretical perspectives used in film studies, and an understanding of significant research strategies concerning film and cinema.

L2. Practice effective methods of research in a critical context.

L3. Assimilate and synthesise complex information and analyse and evaluate ideas, concepts, information, and issues across a range of professional, scholarly, and creative contexts.

Demonstrate and/or work with:

A critical understanding of a selection of major theoretical perspectives used in film studies, and an understanding of significant research strategies concerning film and cinema.

A broad and integrated knowledge and understanding of the scope, main areas and boundaries of film studies as a discipline

They will be required to:

understand the critical and contextual dimensions of selected films in particular, and of film in general, for example the business, cultural, economic, environmental, ethical, global, historical, political, societal, and/or theoretical contexts;
generate ideas, concepts, proposals, solutions or arguments independently in response to set briefs and/or as self-initiated activity.

Students will be able to: Practice effective methods of research in a critical context.
Use a selection of the principal skills, techniques, practices and/or materials associated with film theory. Practise routine methods of enquiry and/or research.
Employ materials, media, techniques, methods, technologies and tools associated with a range of critical approaches to film, studied with skill and imagination whilst observing good working practices.
Understand the critical and contextual dimensions of selected films in particular, and of film in general, for example the business, cultural, economic, environmental, ethical, global, historical, political, societal, and/or theoretical contexts.
In addition to this, students will develop the following visual and critical skills: observation: close and systematic visual examination, informed by appropriate knowledge of materials, techniques and cultural contexts; description: describing scenes and sequences from selected films with clarity and precision, using ordinary and specialist language as appropriate to the topic and the intended audience, and with consideration for the differences between visual, verbal and aural codes of portrayal; interpretation: the ability to: · set the films studied within appropriate historical, intellectual, cultural and institutional contexts; · draw upon personal responses to films while recognising how these should be distinguished from other relevant meanings; · develop arguments concerning production processes, and concerning formal and functional ambitions and effects from close observation of films; · relate the processes of making films to their cultural functions;· understand the role of films as carriers of meaning and value; identify and analyse the development of and interrelation between different critical approaches.

Assimilate and synthesise complex information and analyse and evaluate ideas, concepts, information, and issues across a range of professional, scholarly, and creative contexts.
Undertake critical analysis, evaluation and/or synthesis of ideas, concepts, information and issues;
Identify and analyse routine (professional) problems and issues;
Draw on a range of sources in making judgements.

Use a range of routine skills and some advanced and specialised skills in support of established practices in a subject/discipline, for example: Make formal and informal presentations on standard/mainstream topics in Film Studies; Use a range of IT applications to support and enhance work, including participation in and use of the Blackboard Learning environment; Interpret, use and evaluate different critical approaches to film.

the ability to work across a variety of group and independent modes of study, and within these to demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and the capacity for critical self-reflection; Exercise autonomy and initiative in some activities at a professional level: Practise in ways which take account of own and others’ roles and responsibilities;

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
Engagement with recorded lectures, tasks, live seminars and assessment processes.

2.07

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.