To introduce students to the basic language of film analysis;

To introduce students to the rich cultural field which the cinema has represented in France through study of selected films from particularly significant periods, giving them a background of reference points and an understanding of how cinema has developed in France;

To cultivate habits of close visual analysis and careful structuring of such analysis;

To increase confidence in class discussion and presentation.

(LO1) Students should be able to give an intelligent and informed account of how any film (from whatever culture) is put together, the ways in which it engages its audience and the messages it conveys.

(LO2) Students will develop thorough and perceptive powers of observation and interpretation of the elements of a cinematic text both visual and aural

(LO3) Students will be able to explain their observations in a structured way, in written analyses and also orally in front of a class, in the latter case using visual aids when appropriate.

(LO4) Students will be able to insert their detailed observations into a thematic or historical context in order to show how a particular film deals with larger issues, and to construct a well-written essay to explain their ideas.

(LO5) Students should have a basic overview of major directors and trends in the history of the cinema in France, which will enable them to see other French films in their historical and artistic context.

(S1) Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the cultures, linguistic contexts, history, politics, geography, and social and economic structures of the societies of the country of the target language

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Communicating for audience

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S5) Working in groups and teams - Group action planning

(S6) Successfully apply a close reading to a text of the target language

(S7) Global citizenship - Cultural awareness

(S8) Working in groups and teams - Listening skills

(S9) Personal attributes and qualities - Willingness to take responsibility

(S10) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Lecture/seminar:
Teaching takes place in two synchronous sessions each week. Short supplementary recorded lectures will also be available. Guided discussion sessions will form a large part of the module.

Detailed film analysis is vital to the module, and students will carry out analyses in class.

Workshop:
Analysis of a piece of film, done in class for formative purposes

Film Screenings.

Topics covered during the module may include:

Introduction to film language, extract analysis;

The development of the French cinema;

Approaches to film (brief and simple theoretical approaches, supplied in note form with some introduction);

Extract analysis (demonstration);

Screening: Popular post-1990, French film;

Discussion of film in context of the theoretical approaches given;

Introduction to the thirties;

Screening: 30s classic film, realist or poetic-realist;

Introduction to the Nouvelle Vague (with summary of 50s);

NV Film II;

Extract analysis: mock class test;

The 80s and 90s;

Film part I;

Film part II;

Post-2000;

Film screening and discussion.