FT3THF-Three Films

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Ms Alison Butler

Email: a.j.butler@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module takes a long, hard look at three complementary films. In an era of convenient access to proliferating screen media, we never need to watch the same thing twice. But ‘opening up’ a film through multiple viewings and discussions is vital – it can help us better understand how films work, and it gives more voice to diverse interpretations and debates. Rather than attempt to cover periods, genres or themes, Three Films is led by the practice and opportunities of close and cumulative study, and asks what it means to explore the same film from a variety of approaches (for example aesthetic, political and industrial).

Aims:

•    To develop students’ understanding of the multiplicity of film-study methodologies;



•    To extend students’ skills of close reading;



•    To encourage students’ critical engagement with works of film criticism and theory;



•    To allow students the opportunity to develop (outside of independent-study modules) their own well-informed approach to a particular text.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:



•    Demonstrate a sophisticated and meta-critical understanding of three films;



•    Demonstrate an understanding of particular thematic and methodological approaches to film;

•    Make detailed analyses of individual film texts informed by these approaches;



•&nbs p;   Identify and pursue significant and far-reaching questions provoked by individual films (and by the students’ sustained engagement with those films)  



•    Relate their understanding of the films studied on the module to their developing understanding of wider critical and theoretical frameworks, including those relating to genre, authorship, identity, politics and aesthetics.

Additional outcomes:

The module plays a significant role in the continuing development of other skills and competencies, which are central to the course. It is expected that the level of skills and competencies achieved in the following will be appropriate to the level of study: oral communication and argument in group situations; deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking self-directed, independent work; presentation of written work using IT.

Outline content:

The module is organised around its three central case studies, each of which is studied for approximately three weeks. Students will bring together their contextual reading and screenings of pertinent materials with seminar discussions.

Global context:

The global reach of the module is largely determined by the selection of case studies; it is expected that these will normally be from more than one part of the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Within the two-hour class, a range of teaching styles will be used and may vary from week to week. Where appropriate, lectures will be used to establish contexts and introduce issues for discussion and debate. The dominant teaching form will be the seminar, which will concentrate primarily on close analysis of films and discussion of critical approaches, and through which students can test out and develop their thinking in a supportive environment. Most seminars will require preparation in th e form of weekly screenings and specified critical reading, though some may be allocated for assessed presentations.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		2
Seminars		14
Supervised time in studio/workshop		24
Guided independent study:		160
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 x portfolio, made up of 2 x 750-word blog posts (50%)

1 x 8-minute individual presentation (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

2 x 750-word blog posts (to be re-submitted as summative portfolio at the end)

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of failed coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 24 September 2020