Introduction to Film (Summer School) module (LD02015)

Introduction to Film will introduce you to the diversity of cinema, exploring the key aspects of studying film at university level.

This course enables you to explore film history, style, and key concepts such as gender, representations of society, and audience responses to films.

What you will learn:

In this module, you will:

• be given the tools to identify filmmaking techniques and analyse cinematography, editing, directorial style and film theory
• be encouraged to offer your opinion on texts and other course materials
• learn how to interrogate critical perspectives on film and how to include these in your writing

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• exhibit a clear understanding of the basics of film studies
• critically respond to films

demonstrate your analytical thinking with a specific focus on filmmaking techniques, genre conventions and theories of authorship

Assignments / assessment

• 1x Practice journal (300-500 words) where you will receive feedback on your work.
• 2x Weekly journals (300-500 words) (20% each)
• 1x Final essay (1,500-2,000 words) (60%)

You will have the opportunity to write either about what you have studied or other films that interest you.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• In Introduction to Film, you will learn in a variety of ways.
• Lectures
  • Each week, you will have a lecture where we will cover the basics of each topic
  • These will be recorded and available online.
• Worksheets
  • You will receive a PowerPoint for each film on the module.
  • These will include relevant study materials to help with the module content.
  • There will be a series of questions for you to consider.
  • You will be directed towards relevant clips from other films relevant to the session’s topic and extra material such as:
    • interviews with filmmakers cinematographers, critics etc.
• Drop-In Sessions
  • There will be the opportunity to meet with the module leader each week to discuss the module content in more depth.
• Online Screenings
  • All the films in the module will be available to watch at any time.

1. How to Read a Film
2. Style, Design and Cinematography
3. Genre: Theory, Foundations and Subversions
4. Authorship: Context and Intertextuality

Films Studied will include:

• Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
• Written on the Wind (1956)
• The Night of the Hunter (1955)
• The Innocents (1961)
• We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021)
• Vertigo (1958)