Film Studies

Course summary

A level Film Studies focuses on both macro and micro feature of film language and considers them in different contexts. There is a strong focus on both classical and contemporary Hollywood and the British cinema but there is also a focus on varieties of film as exemplified by world cinema movements, silent cinema, documentary and short film. There are two examined components, each with a three hour exam, and one coursework component. The first exam is on American and British film and involves the study of 6 films ranging from classical Hollywood, post 1960 Hollywood, contemporary American independent and British pre and post 1960. The second exam is on ‘Varieties of film’ and involves the study of two historical film movements, a documentary, two non-English language films and a short film. Coursework involves the practical application of learning which can be either video production or screenwriting.