AMU1224 · Film, television and screen studies: Forms

Overview

In this unit, you will examines the techniques that filmmakers use to create the vast range of stories, meanings, themes, emotions and sensations that moving images can possess. While Film, Television and Screen Studies: Approaches, looks outwards, examining the moving image in relation to its broader contexts, Film, Television and Screen Studies: Forms looks inwards, focusing on its formal properties and techniques. You will examine these by investigating moving images across a range of formats: films, television shows and other types of screen-based media (such as online content). You will tackle different aspects of film and television style, including mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing and sound, as well as different approaches to narration in the weekly topics. You will explore these topics through weekly screenings, which showcase a variety of formal approaches that filmmakers have used and draw on examples from diverse film and television genres, historical periods and national contexts. You will also explore film forms through hands-on practical activities that will lead towards the production of a short film.

Areas of study: Film, television and screen studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Identify the techniques used to create meaning in a range of moving image texts;
2. Analyse films, television shows and other screen-based media, giving particular attention to their stylistic features and narrational strategies;
3. Interpret the themes and meanings of moving image texts through reference to their formal features and techniques;
4. Evaluate critical debates on moving image analysis and interpretation, and on particular films and television shows;
5. Plan and conduct written work exploring different aspects of narrative, style and form;
6. Apply practical filmmaking skills to the creation of a short film.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.