Film Studies

Course summary

Film Studies offers the chance to engage with films from across the world. The units studied include mainstream Hollywood, US independent film, UK independent film, International film, Silent era cinema, feature Documentary and Experimental Film. Teaching is through a variety of styles including screening and university style seminar, one-to-one tutorials, student presentations, professional educational trips, creative and practical workshops and essay writing. There are two exams at the end of the two-years and a non-examined assessment (NEA) that takes one of two forms; either a practical film production to a specific brief orthe writing of an original screenplay, both accompanied by an evaluative analysis. Film studies is an academic course, which will enable you to develop confidence not only in analysing films but also in connecting those films with the ideologies, social and cultural factor, politics, history and philosophy that underpin them. It is NOT justsitting around watching and talking about films. WHY SHOULD I STUDY FILM STUDIES? Watching filmsis one of the great pleasures of our era. Films reflect our society at the time they were made. They show us ourselves as we are, as we were. They challenge stereotypes as well as reinforce them. They educate as well as entertain, and they introduce us to people, places and experiences beyond our own, broadening our minds. For example, Pan’s Labyrinth (Dir. Del Toro) made in 2006 uses fantasy to comment on the post Spanish Civil War period, whilst Do the Right Thing (Dir Spike Lee) uncompromisingly dissects racism in 1980s America. Film has given us a new language for seeing the world and reflecting on the issues of the time. It is both mass entertainment enjoyed across social, cultural and language barriers, as well as a truly universal art form. Film Studies is very closely linked with English literature, history and sociology in academic terms and complimentary to all of them. However, it is also intuitively connected with drama, art, photography and music through the complimentary creative skills, pulling together the best in dramatic writing, design, performance, photography and editing. Film Studies A level is highly respected at University and an excellentthird subject for those seeking places for Law, Criminology, Politics, History, Philosophy and English Literature or related choices. It is a fantastic third option for scientists and medics, as its essay writing and argument building skillset support critical thinking of the highest order. It is of course a facilitating subject for anyone seeking a university place in Film and Media, Television, Advertising and Marketing. It is ideal if you are considering a career in the Media Industries including journalism, advertising, TV drama, film, news, radio, marketing, games and social media. All growing sectors in the UK with extensive employment opportunities.