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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2019/2020

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Centre for Open Learning : Literature, Languages and Cultures

Undergraduate Course: Beginning Film Studies (LLLG07098)

Course Outline
SchoolCentre for Open Learning CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 7 (Year 1 Undergraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course is offered as part of the International Foundation Programme (IFP), which is designed to bridge the gap for overseas applicants whose national school qualifications do not reach a high enough level to be accepted for University of Edinburgh entry. This course focuses on films as artistic constructs and cultural manifestations that also reflect social and political concerns. We will examine some of the common critical approaches to film studies as well as the relationship between film and the other arts such as literature, theatre and music. This course will also offer guidance on study skills and practice in essay writing.
Course description This course focuses on films as artistic constructs and cultural manifestations that also reflect social and political concerns. We will examine some of the common critical approaches to film studies as well as the relationship between film and the other arts such as literature, theatre and music. In addition to subject-based study and analysis, this course embeds academic skills such as essay writing skills, note-taking, effective reading, time-management, working with others and research skills.

Indicative course content:

Week 1
Film as Art
Study skills: note taking; a framework for film analysis

Week 2
Narrative and Film Style
Study skills: glossary for film analysis

Week 3
Genre
Screening of End of Watch (David Ayer, 2012) and tutor-led discussion

Week 4
Editing

Week 5
Authorship
Study skills: planning and referencing your essay

Week 6
Adaptation

Week 7
Sound and Music

Week 8
Stardom, Acting and Performance

Week 9
Scottish Cinema
Screening of The Legend of Barney Thomson (Robert Carlyle, 2015) and tutor-led discussion

Week 10
Revision

Week 11
Conclusions

Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements Students must be registered on the HSS International Foundation Programme.
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2019/20, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  30
Course Start Lifelong Learning - Session 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Lecture Hours 50, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 48 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Quiz based on weekly readings 15%
Mean average of best 8 (out of 10) multiple choice quizzes based on course topics and readings

Individual class presentation 15%

Summative Essay 70%
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Understand the development of film as an art form
  2. Define and critically analyse aspects of film style and narrative techniques
  3. Identify a number of key dates, trends and concepts in the history and study of film
  4. Evaluate some theoretical issues in relation to film as a medium and an artefact.
Reading List
Relevant chapters in the following:

Bordwell, D. and Thompson, K., 2008. Film Art: an Introduction. N.Y.: McGraw-Hill.

Buckland, W., 2010. Understand Film Studies. London: Teach Yourself Publishing.

Cook, P., Bernink, M., eds. 1999. The Cinema Book, London: British Film Institute.

Doughty, R., and Shaw, D., 2008. Film: The Essential Study Guide. London: Routledge.

Monaco, J., 2009. How to Read a Film: Movies, Media and Beyond. Oxford University Press.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
Keywordsintroduction,film studies,film,cinema,art,society,politics,culture
Contacts
Course organiserMrs Anthea Coleman-Chan
Tel: (0131 6)51 1589
Email: Anthea.Coleman-Chan@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Kameliya Skerleva
Tel: (0131 6)51 1855
Email: Kameliya.Skerleva@ed.ac.uk
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