Course module - American Film Studies
Code : AMER30072 Credit rating: 20 Semester : 2
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Aims |
Objectives |
Assessment |
Information
|
Course Content |
Course Materials |
Tutors |
Timetable |
Teaching Methods |
Keywords
Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop student understanding of popular cinema in the United States, dealing with theoretical/critical debates and with film analytical practices. The course may concentrate on a particular period or on particular themes in American film history.
Objectives (Learning Outcomes)
By the end of the course unit, students should be able:
- To demonstrate the ability to conduct thematic, narrative and stylistic analyses of films.
- To recognise the influential role of the film industry in American culture and society.
- To engage with and apply a range of theoretical models to American film texts.
- To recognise the importance of social and historical contexts in the study of film.
- To work indpendently and collaboratively in undertaking a range of written, oral and research tasks.
- To demonstrate an increased precision and thoroughness in written and oral communication.
Assessment
One 2,500-word essay (40%); 500-word research task write-up (10%); one 2-hour unseen written examination (50%).
The use of dictionaries in the examination is prohibited. This rule applies to all categories of students, including all Visiting Students.
Information
THIS COURSE IS NOT AVAILABLE AS FREE-CHOICE.
Entry to this course is normally restricted only to BA (Hons) American Studies/BA (H) English Literature & American Studies/BA (H) History & American Studies students who spent either the whole of Year 2, or Semester 2 of Year 2, on Erasmus or American exchange.
Course Content
The course unit will examine a range of analytical approaches used in Film Studies by applying them to specific American films. This strategy will allow students to identify key issues and engage with important debates in the study of American film, to explore the implications of certain theoretical positions, and to test the usefulness of various methodologies in the actual analysis of films. The module will take a close look at the textual operations of individual films and discuss their meanings in relation to theories about American society and culture, to specific empirical audiences, and to the operations of the film industry.
Course Materials
Tutor(s)
Scott, Dr Ian
Timetable
PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE FOR 2012-2013
Lecture: Monday, 1.00-3.00
Seminar: T B A
Teaching Methods
One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week.
Preliminary reading
Indicative Reading List
Jessica Evans and David Hesmondhalgh, eds., Understanding Media: Inside Celebrity Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 2005
John Hill and Pamela Church Gibson eds, American Cinema and Hollywood. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1998
Joanne Hollows et al, eds, The Film Studies Reader. London: Arnold, 2000.
Geoff King, New Hollywood Cinema. New York: IB Taurus, 2002.
Steve Neale, Genre and Hollywood, London: Routledge, 2000
Murray Smith and Steve Neale, eds. Contemporary Hollywood Cinema. London: Routledge, 1998
Thomas Schatz, “The New Hollywood,” Jim Collins et al, eds, Film Theory Goes to the Movies (New York: Routledge, 1993), ch. 1
Linda Ruth Williams and Michael Hammond, eds. Contemporary American Cinema. Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 2006