National Cinemas Post-1945 module (EN22006)

• Level 2
• Semester 1
• English - School of Humanities
• Coursework 100%
• Wednesday evening tutorial available

Description

This module examines a variety of cinematic movements from a global perspective. Exploring seminal films from Britain and Europe as well as the national cinemas of Japan, Iran and Africa this module will enhance student awareness of film-historical contexts and the language of film criticism and analysis more broadly.

Convenor

Dr Jennifer Barnes

Teaching

The approach to teaching in this module centres on a lecture + seminar structure that will develop students’ understanding of the history of national cinemas and their ability to discuss the films/their contexts in a critically-informed way. 

Assessment

 two x 1,500-word sequence analyses (40% of the assessment weighting for the module each)

 3,000 word essay (60% of the assessment weighting for the module)

Reading

Access the online reading list system

Module Aims

This module seeks to expand students’ appreciation of the medium of cinema by making them familiar with a variety of national cinemas and film-historical contexts, and with the language of film criticism and analysis more broadly. The module aims to:

1.  develop students’ further skills in the critical study of the filmic texts;
2.  introduce students to key national perspectives and movements in cinema;
3.  explore central debates surrounding the development of film genres and film movements;
4. further develop skills in essay writing and engaging with scholarly secondary materials.

Intended learning outcomes

Week One: Britain in the 40s: A Matter of Life and Death & Kind Hearts and Coronets

Week Two: Italian Neo-Realism: Rome, Open City & Bicycle Thieves

Week Three: Japan in the ‘50s: Rashomon & Tokyo Story

Week Four: Post-War Eastern Block: Closely Observed Trains & Ivan’s Childhood

Week Five: French New Wave: Hiroshima, Mon Amour & The 400 Blows

Week Six: New German Cinema: Fear Eats the Soul & Aguirre, the Wrath of God

Week Seven: Spain Before and After Franco: The Spirit of the Beehive & Pan’s Labyrinth

Week Eight: Indian and African Cinema: Pather Panchali and Yeelen

Week Nine: Australian New Wave: Picnic at Hanging Rock & Breaker Morant

Week Ten: Fifth Generation Chinese/Hong Kong: Farewell, My Concubine & In the Mood for Love

Week Eleven: New Iranian Cinema: Close-Up & Offside