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 RESEARCH
Code FILM106
Coordinator Dr AM Smith
Modern Languages and Cultures
Alismith@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

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

COMM152 Sound, Image and Meaning; FILM101 INTRODUCTION TO FILM LANGUAGE; FILM103 HOLLYWOOD AND EUROPE 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Co-requisite modules:

FILM102 APPROACHES TO FILM 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 1

2

      0

3

6
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 144
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
Project There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -2000 words    50       
Extract analysis There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -1500 words    30       
Critical evaluation of secondary literature. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  -1000 words    20       

Aims

To broaden and deepen students’ understanding of film texts in context;

To develop students' critical skills when confronted with academic writing;

To increase students' confidence in handling theoretical concepts in relation to specific texts;

To introduce students to techniques of independent research, including question formulation, data-gathering, project organisation and time management.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An understanding of the study skills needed for an independently researched project.

(LO2) Ability to organise a project into appropriate chapters and stages etc.

(LO3) Ability to recognise and develop research worthy ideas and to explain their interest convincingly.

(LO4) Ability to manage working time effectively and to take responsibility for regular tasks.

(LO5) A deeper understanding of the concepts taught in other modules (especially FILM102) and an ability to use them to underpin independent research.

(S1) Information skills - critical reading

(S2) Information skills - Information accessing

(S3) Communication skills - Media analysis

(S4) Communication skills - Academic writing

(S5) Global citizenship - Cultural awareness

(S6) Research skills - all communication skills


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Introductory lecture
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: This will be the first orientation session for the module.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminars will bring all students on the module together to discuss aspects of their projects.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The seminars will consist 1) in a critical discussion of given secondary texts (before reading week) and 2) in a brief presentation of their projects and the issues raised (week 12).

Teaching Method 3 - Individual Supervision
Description: Students will meet individually with their supervisor to discuss their work.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 3

Teaching Method 4 - Blog
Description: Students will make 3 blog posts over the semester, summarising their findings on key aspects of the film. These will be formative but will contribute to the final assessed project.
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Syllabus

 

Students will be asked to select a film from a pre-established list for which reading lists and supporting material is available. (In discussion with tutors, students may also choose a film according to individual preference). Over the course of the semester students will: Consider that film in relation to the three approaches studied in FILM102 (co-requisite), i.e. from an auteur, genre and star studies perspective; Critically read and comment on secondary texts related to the film; Undertake a detailed textual analysis of a selected portion of the film.


Recommended Texts

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