Objectives and competences
The objective of the course is to:
To introduce students to a wider range of film genres
To familiarize students with basic film concepts and terminology
To help students choose film/video resources for future classroom use
To explore the cultural instruction potential of film/video from English-speaking cultures
To explore accompanying classroom and homework activities for getting the most from films
To encourage critical reading and writing on film
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Integrating film, video and reading
• Cinema concepts and terminology
• Adaptations: Poetry and plays into film
• Adaptations: Prose fiction into film
• Film genres: The Western
• Film Genres: Space
• Film Genres: Detective and mystery
• Film Genres: Cartoons and short animation
• Film Genres: Documentaries
• Cultural knowledge through film
• Classroom activities with films
• Critique and review of film
Learning and teaching methods
The course will be designed around the classroom watching of a selection of films or TV materials.
Viewing will alternate with lecture/discussion on the syllabus topics, each of which is keyed to a specific film/video selection.
Accompanying worksheets will guide students in terminology, critique, interpretation and cultural extension.
Students will each complete an individual project involving choice, critical reading, critical reviewing, film-making, and lesson planning.
Each student will review a current film and publish that review.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate:
• Broader knowledge of the film canon
• Bigger vocabulary of film terminology and concepts
• Ability to use film for cultural instruction
• Ability to design activities to accompany film viewing
• Improved critical ability in writing and reading reviews
Readings
McFarlane, Brian. Novel to Film: An Introduction to the Theory of Adaptation. Oxford. 1996.
Monaco, James. How to Read a Film: The Art, Technology, Language, History and Theory of Film and Media. Oxford, 1981.
Hayward, Susan. Cinema Studies: The Key Concepts. Routledge, 2006.
Prerequisits
English C1 /CEFR
