Unit information: Close-Up on Film in 2015/16

Unit name	Close-Up on Film
Unit code	DRAM10022
Credit points	10
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Moen
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Film and Television
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit equips students with skills in understanding and presenting ideas about film, developing knowledge of how the discipline of film studies is distinct from other modes of artistic and cultural analysis. The unit will be structured around a close examination of key writings on film as a medium, as well as a select group of case study films that resonate with these writings. Through student-led presentations informed by key critical perspectives, with question and answer sessions, students will apply and explore different modes of analysing film.

The unit aims for students are:

• to learn how to precis key information from secondary sources with a view to presentation and discussion;
• to develop skills in using images, clips and other material to communicate ideas and arguments;
• to learn how to present with a view to inviting group discussion;
• to explore and debate ideas of medium specificity;
• to engage with and examine the discipline(s) of film studies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate skills in oral communication and presenting on film through individual and group work;

2. invite and respond to debates relating to film;

3. demonstrate foundational skills in critical and textual analysis;

4. analyse and evaluate issues related to film as a distinct medium;

5. engage critically with major thinkers, debates and intellectual paradigms within film studies and put them to productive use;

6. produce work which is informed by, and contextualised within, relevant theoretical issues and debates, including those around film as a medium;

7. deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and making use, as appropriate, of a problem-solving approach.

Teaching Information

Weekly tutorials in small groups for 5 weeks

Assessment Information

1 x 15 minute group presentation (30%) ILO 1-7

1 x 10 minute individual presentation (70%) ILO 1-7

Presentations will take place in tutorial sessions. Group presentations will be awarded a single grade.

Reading and References

Perkins, V. (1972) Film as Film. New York: Penguin Books.

Bazin, A. (2005) What is Cinema? Berkeley: University of California Press.

Mast, G., Cohen, M. and Braudy, L. (eds.) (1992) Film Theory and Criticism, 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Additional readings will relate to the specific case studies that are chosen.