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 AM Smith
Languages, Cultures and Film
Alismith@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 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

      33

55
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 95
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
There is a resit opportunity This will be marked anonymously Standard UoL penalties will apply.    60       
There is a resit opportunity This will be marked anonymously Standard UoL penalties will apply.    35       
There is a resit opportunity This will not be marked anonymously Standard UoL penalties will apply.         

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

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.

Online asynchronous material 11 hours;

Online asynchronous screenings 33 hours;

Synchronous seminars 11 hours;

Independent study 95 hours.


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.