Module UXS-1062:
Film Language
Film Language 2023-24
UXS-1062
2023-24
School Of Arts, Culture And Language
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Nathan Abrams
Overview
This module will provide you with a toolkit for the analysis of the moving image as well as a technical vocabulary to enable you to analyse and discuss how films communicate meaning. It will also inform your own creative choices as a filmmaker.
Lectures cover such topics as: Mise-en-Scene, Editing, Camerawork, Sound, Lighting, Acting, Perfomance and Style. Weekly screenings illustrate relevant aspects of film form. Films to be screeneda regularly change to provide a diversity of content as well as to reflect the diversity of those behind and in front of the camera but may include : Get Out, American Psycho, Run Lola Run, Black Swan and others.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -D Knowledge of key areas/principles only Weaknesses in understanding of main areas Limited evidence of background study Answer only poorly focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure Arguments presented but lack coherence Several factual/computational errors No original interpretation * Only major links between topics are described Limited problem solving* Many weaknesses in presentation and accuracy
-good -B Strong knowledge Understands most but not all Evidence of background study Focussed answer with good structure Arguments presented coherently Mostly free of factual and computational errors Some limited original interpretation * Well known links between topics are described Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches* Good presentation with accurate communication
-excellent -A Comprehensive knowledge Detailed understanding * Extensive background study Highly focussed answer and well structured Logically presented and defended arguments No factual/computational errors Original interpretation * New links between topics are developed New approach to a problem Excellent presentation with very accurate communication
Learning Outcomes
- Be able to analyse short film clips, paying attention to their formal techniques
- Be able to assimilate visual information and use that information to construct a written and or audio/audiovisual argument
- Be able to read and analyse a moving image text in a structured and informed way
- Collaborate effectively in group projects to analyze and discuss films and their use of film language.
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Film analysis of a key scene from one film we have studied covering the key elements studied in the module presented in a written or an audiovisual form.
Weighting
40%
Due date
09/01/2024
Assessment method
Group Presentation
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Group Presentation: in a group you will run the seminar, devising a series of exercises and discussion points to engage your fellow students in that week's material. You will be marked according to how engaging it is. I will allow a recorded oral equivalent if you are unable to present in person.
Weighting
30%
Due date
09/01/2024
Assessment method
Blog/Journal/Review
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A weekly blog containing enough detail (e.g. 100 words per element) summarising the lecture, screening, seminar and reading.
Weighting
30%
Due date
09/01/2022