Module: FSS4000-20 The Moving Image

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Stephen Manley

Module Tutor Contact Details: S.Manley@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This team-taught module introduces students to the academic study of the film & screen industries, and to analysis of the textual characteristics of its products. It explores key themes such as production, distribution, marketing, exhibition / consumption. Developments in these fields are considered in relation to historical and contemporary contexts, including cultural, commercial, institutional, regulatory and technological frameworks. The focus on texts contrasts the formal / aesthetic content of ‘mainstream’ commercial film with ‘alternative’ and independent practices. You will be introduced to formal / aesthetic analysis, and then to concepts of genre via a series of case-studies.

2.Outline syllabus:

Course content has two main elements - institutional and formal. Sessions in the first half of the module will focus on institutional / industrial practices: production; finance; distribution and exhibition; marketing; regulation / certification and technology. The second half of the course explores textual approaches - formal / aesthetic analysis (e.g. ‘classic’ / mainstream film aesthetics; post-classical aesthetics), narrative and story; genre theory will be introduced and explored in relation to examples which may include horror, animation, noir, superhero franchises and others.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

The module is organised around a series of lectures which introduce and orientate students to key topic areas, and follow-up seminar activities which will provide a forum for discussion of ideas / topics / themes raised in the lectures, in the set weekly reading, and by the screenings of illustrative ‘case-study’ audio-visual material. Workshops will also feature a range of small-and large group activities. The Minerva site for the module will contain both weekly support materials (lecture slides, set and further reading, A/V clips, links etc) and more general contextual material, such as links to journal articles, online resources (industry-related and academic), and databases.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Industry research journal (2000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%