Modern Languages and Cultures

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO FILM LANGUAGE
Code FILM101
Coordinator Dr AR Loxham
Modern Languages and Cultures
Abigail.Loxham@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

11

      18

40
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Canvas Quizzes There is a resit opportunity. This is not an anonymous assessment.           
Screening Diary There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -1000 words    35       
Extract analysis There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment.  -1200 words    60       

Aims

To explore the ways in which a film creates meaning, and to provide students with the ability to identify and explain the techniques used by a film-maker and the results obtained;

To foster a capacity for precise and sophisticated observation, and for intelligent structured discussion of what is observed;

To develop confidence and intellectual depth in discussion, ability to present information succinctly both orally and in writing;

To develop students’ knowledge of the formal and technical language of film analysis.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Have a working knowledge of thetechnical vocabulary of cinema and be able to produce precise description of the construction of a piece of audiovisual material. (Authentic assessment, confidence)

(LO2) Critically analyse audio visual material in terms of its mise-en-scène, camera-work, editing and soundtechnique, and to indicate how these elements contribute to the understanding of the whole. (Research-connected teaching)

(LO3) Observe and comment on the ways in which these elements may inflect the explicit meaning of the text. (Research-connected teaching)

(LO4) Understand and discuss different techniques of film narrative.

(LO5) Write in a clear and well-informed way on the construction and meaning of film, taking note of different registers. (Authentic assessment)

(S1) Confidence: Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S2) Confidence: Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S3) Confidence: Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – persuading

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S5) Active learning: Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S6) Active learning: Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S7) Research-connected teaching, active learning: Information skills - Critical reading

(S8) Global citizenship - Cultural awareness

(S9) Research-connected teaching: Apply theoretical approaches or critical secondary literature to the analysis of a film


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures: one a week, weeks one to six and weeks eight to eleven, setting out the significance and appropriate terminology of each aspect of film language, their expressive potential and - when appropriate - their development over time. Linking these issues to the context of the film under discussion.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminars: one a week, weeks one to six and weeks eight to eleven, one in week twelve. Application of the knowledge of film language to analysis of particular films and extracts from films.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Skill / other attribute 1:
Global citizenship - cultural awareness.
How this is developed:
Throughout the module: film viewings, lectures, seminar discussions, Written coursework.

Skill / other attribute 2:
Information skills - critical reading.
How this is developed:
Written coursework and group activities in se minars.

Skill / other attribute 3:
Critical thinking and problem solving - evaluation.
How this is developed:
Lectures, written coursework, blog and group activities in seminars.

Skill / other attribute 4:
Critical thinking and problem solving - critical analysis.
How this is developed:
Written coursework.

Skill / other attribute 5:
Communication (oral, written and visual) - academic writing (inc. referencing skills).
How this is developed:
Written coursework.

Skill / other attribute 6:
Communication (oral, written and visual) - influencing skills – persuading.
How this is developed:
Written coursework, group activities in seminars.

Skill / other attribute 7:
Communication (oral, written and visual) - listening skills.
How this is developed:
Group activites in seminar and note-taking in lectures.

Skill / other attribute 8:
Communication (oral, written and visual) - presentation s kills – oral.
How this is developed:
Group activities in seminars.


Syllabus

 

Topics covered during the module may include (please note that each session will be accompanied with a screening of an appropriate film):

Writing about film;

Performance and identity;

Mise-en-scène;

Cinematography;

Editing;

Narrative;

Performance styles and stardom;

Sound and music.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.