Overview

The topics covered on this module may include an exploration of the American presidency on screen, American cinema's response to The Great Recession, and the way major events in American history have been handled in cinema.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold (50%/C)Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. Draws on a relatively narrow range of material. -good -Good (60%+/B)Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Good structure and logically developed arguments. At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.Very Good (60%+) Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Very good structure and logically developed arguments. Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style. -excellent -Excellent (70%+/A) Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: Has originality of exposition with the student's own thinking being readily apparent. Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.* Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• The student will analyse the effect that cinematic convention can have on the portrayal of history and politics on screen.

• The student will be able to combine their critical evaluation of scholarship with close textual analysis to articulate the specific historical and political viewpoint/s of particular films.

• The student will be able to critically evaluate and contextualise representations of historical and political events and figures.

• The student will be able to develop their own perspective on historical and political events and figures on screen by using theory in conjunction with close textual analysis to build and defend their own arguments.

• The student will evaluate the scholarly debates about film as a medium through which historical events and political ideas can be presented.