Film Studies

Course summary

Film Studies is an exciting course that delves into the art of films. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of film styles and genres, reflecting different social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts. Film Studies also offers the opportunity to develop practical film production skills and transferable skills which are applicable across many media-themed subjects. You will research and analyse movies, both mainstream and arthouse, from various national, global and historical contexts, including how they are financed, constructed and shown. You will learn and apply specialist terminology and theories and have the opportunity to write a screenplay or shoot and edit a short film for your coursework assignment. Particular areas of focus will be: • The roles played by cinematography, mise-en-scène, performance, editing and sound • The aesthetic dimensions of films, such as lighting, composition, and framing • International film styles and traditions • Major movements or stylistic developments in film history • Narrative construction • The representation of cultures and societies in films • The technical skills involved in planning and producing a short film. You will also learn about the different ways in which spectators respond to film and be able to apply critical approaches to the analysis of the film.