Film: Theory and Educational Practice

Course Code: MMAMCC_21

Masters Level Module

Film theory has a convoluted and controversial history. Film theorists have generated a critical commentary that has accompanied the evolution of film itself as a cultural form. This module is taught in partnership with the British Film Institute (www.bfi.org.uk), and it aims to give students the opportunity to come to grips with key concepts, debates and theorists in the field. Many of those who take part are already involved in media and film education. Course participants will have the opportunity to focus on particular topics in depth. Current electives include:

• Semiotics and representation
• Audiences and spectatorship
• Narrative
• Genre and horror
• Pedagogies of film and media studies

Throughout the course students complete tasks that relate to the set readings, participate in discussions and receive feedback from tutors using the online learning environment, Blackboard. Additionally, students attend 3 full days of seminars (or 'residentials') at the BFI Southbank. During these residentials, students meet each other and the tutors, present work, and take part in discussions and lectures. At the first residential (in early January) participants choose an initial area of theory on which to focus. This section of the course culminates with group presentations at the second residential (in late February). After the February residential students choose a second topic on which to focus. Course assessment is by written assignment - either an essay, or a scheme of work (70% of the final grade) - and by individual contributions to the group presentations (30% of the final grade). The course can be taken on its own, as part of the Institute of Education's MA in Media, Culture and Communication (PMM9_MCC9IM), or as a 30 credit optional module on many of the IOE's MAs. The course can be taken on its own, as part of the Institute of Education's MA in Media, Culture and Education, or as a 30 credit optional module on many of the IOE's MAs.

How to apply (pdf, 0.3mb) for this module as a stand-alone short course.

Related Programmes

English Education MA
Media, Culture and Education MA