FTMESP: Exploring Screen Practices

Module code: FTMESP

Module provider: Film, Theatre and TV; School of Arts and Comm Design

Credits: 20

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Tonia Kazakopoulou, email: a.kazakopoulou@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 5 August 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module enables students to develop new and enhance existing skills in screen media-related practice by responding to one or more briefs and practical exercises. These short projects are responsive to ‘real jobs’ stimuli, are anchored in the study of particular dimensions of film, television or other screen media forms and in the critical/theoretical study of films and programmes. Flexibility and responsiveness to emerging industry developments is a key attribute of this module. The projects are supported by appropriate technical workshops and masterclasses, while the creative process and the finished work are guided though class discussion and structured critical reflection.The module works best when knowledges from across the course are used in synergy with Exploring Screen Practices. 

Aims: 

To develop production and filmmaking competencies by the realisation of short practical projects; to develop an understanding of the way in which creative processes relate to critical analysis; toextend skills of reflection, analysis and evaluation by relating critical and theoretical issues to screen media decision-making in practice; to enhance the students' professionalism and range ofprofessional skills in the fields of film, television and other screen media; to prepare practical and reflective skillsfor those taking FTMDP through practice. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate the critical, technical and organisational expertise required to produce short films, television programmes or other screen-related products in a sophisticated and confident manner
2. Relate practical decisions to theoretical, critical and cultural ideas developed in earlier or concurrent critical modules
3. Demonstrate professional skills of leadership, communication and team working appropriate to screen media practice
4. Document and critically reflect on processes of creative screen practice 
5. Develop skills and competencies which are central to the degree: team working practices; problem-solving; management and communication skills required to satisfactorily carry out responsibilities in group exercises; appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument, both individually and collectively; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis, evaluation and development of film, television and other screen media.

Module content

The course consists of one or (more frequently) more briefs. These explore particularareas of film, television and/or other screen forms and pose particular creative challenges, enablingstudents to develop their production skills and their ability to shape forms of visual and auralexpression. The module is flexible enough to respond to interesting opportunities within andbeyond the programme as they emerge, but projects and briefs are always selected for theopportunities they provide for the integrated development of conceptual and practicalfilmmaking skills. Workshops and masterclasses addressing particular skill areas are aligned with therequirements of assignment briefs. Formative feedback (tutor and peer) is provided at different stages of the project/s development; the finished work receives summative feedback and is carefully analysed in class and in reflective critical writing (or class presentation) by the filmmakers. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught in a mixture of seminars, workshops, masterclasses, exercises, independent production work and group supervision of projects. 

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Formative feedback is offered on work submitted for interim deadlines throughout the module by tutors as well as peers. 

Reassessment

Additional costs