Content and teaching | Assessment | Availability

Module content and teaching

Principal aims

The aims of this module are four-fold. First the module aims to give students intensive practice in looking and listening closely to film and second, aims to teach the basic technical and analytic vocabulary of textual analysis and film criticism (e.g. shot, scene, track, pan, cluse-up) in order that students can describe accurately what they see ad hear when studying cinematic works. Third, the module aims to give practice in using the language of film criticism confidently and with precision both orally and in writing. Fourth, as students gain confidence in the practice of textual analysis, they are encouraged to begin to make reasoned and carefully argued interpretations, and to reflect upon the validity of other accounts and interpretations, both in group discussion and through reading of critical scholarship on module films. The module has been designed to offer a wide range of films from different historical periods, film styles and, to a lesser extent, national contexts. This is done in order that students might experience, and compare, different approaches to the expressive use of film form and mise-en-scène (e.g. editing, music and sound, costume). The central aim of this modulle is always to explore the ways in which choices made in relation to film form and mise-en-scèn e make meaning and mood in cinema, and how they impact upon interpretation. The critical appreciation of films and television programmes is the foundation of learning and development on both undergraduate degrees, and this module provides the basis of this foundation. In the final year, students on all degrees take the core module Film Aesthetics, which revisits issues raised at a basic level in Film Criticism at an advanced level and within a theoretical framework.

Principal learning outcomes

"Module aims: It aims to give you intensive practice in looking and listening closely to film. It aims to teach you the basic technical and analytical vocabulary of textual analysis and film criticism so that you can describe accurately what you see and hear when you watch and listen to a film; It aims to give you practice in using the language of film criticism confidently and with precision in both written and spoken work; Finally, as you gain confidence in the practice of textual analysis, you will begin to feel able to make reasoned and carefully argued interpretations of individual film texts. You will also be able to reflect upon the validity of other accounts and interpretations, both in group discussion and through your own reading of existing critical scholarship."

Timetabled teaching activities

The module is taught through a combination of screenings, lectures, seminars and small group work within seminars. Attendance at ALL screenings, lectures and your designated seminar is compulsory.

Departmental link

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/film/undergrads/outlines/fi1031

Module assessment

Assessment group	Assessment name	Percentage
24 CATS (Module code: FI107-24)
A (Assessed work only)	Assessed Course Work	25%
	Assessed Course Work	25%
	Assessed Course Work	50%
30 CATS (Module code: FI107-30)
D1 (Assessed/examined work)	Assessed Course Work	30%
	Assessed Course Work	30%
	Examination - Main Summer Exam Period (weeks 4-9)	40%
	Assessed Course Work	100%

Module availability

This module is available on the following courses:

Core

• Undergraduate Film and Literature (QW25) - Year 1
• Undergraduate Film Studies (W620) - Year 1

Optional Core

N/A

Optional

N/A