Module: FSS4002-20 Film Theory, Film Philosophy

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 module develops on from the preceding module, ‘Moving Image’. In the ‘Moving Image’, students are encouraged to consider ‘how films work’, and this module asks students to consider ‘how film and screen makes us think’. The module introduces students to a wider range of critical / theoretical perspectives which can be applied to the study of film and screen. These approaches and methodologies are considered in historical-cultural context, enabling students to grasp how film and screen studies emerged and has subsequently developed as a distinctive academic subject area, characterised by productive forms of interdisciplinarity. Key theories, philosophical approaches, issues and debates will be explored through a focus on a broad range of topic areas. The aim of the module is to familiarize you with these paradigms, and to establish a firm analytical foundation for the study of film and screen at levels 5 and 6.

2.Outline syllabus:

This module will consider a range of core theoretical and philosophical approaches to film and screen. This will include key approaches from the following: existentialism and film, movement-image and time-image, ethics and social justice, ethics, care/ kinship and face-to-face encounters, queer theory, film and theology, neoliberalism and film, intersectionality and screen studies, stardom, reception and audience studies, national/transnational cinema, TV narratives, causality and seriality, emotion and sensation on film and screen, and representation (race, sexuality, gender).

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, web-based and library resources. The weekly seminars offer students the opportunity to discuss and test their ideas and interpretations of the set films.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Group presentation (2000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%