National Cinemas Post-1945 module (EN22006)
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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:
- develop students’ further skills in the critical study of the filmic texts;
- introduce students to key national perspectives and movements in cinema;
- explore central debates surrounding the development of film genres and film movements;
- 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