FV4S09 - Film: Theory and Play 06 Jul 2023 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FV4S09
Module Title: Film: Theory and Play
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Film and TV
Faculty Sub Group: Film and TV
Module Leader: Daryl Perrins
Module Team: Emyr Jenkins, Ian Staples, Dewi Griffiths, Philip Cowan, Lesley Harbidge, Vivian Mainwaring, Gwyneth Moore
First Intended Intake: SEP 2023 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 06 Jul 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To explore key theoretical and critical frameworks and their application to contemporary film practice.
To produce written and audio-visual work that engages creatively with film theory and criticism.

Content Summary

In this module you will be prompted by a series of lectures, films and readings engaging with key theoretical frameworks and critical perspectives. In cross-craft seminar groups, you will draw inspiration from the approaches encountered, and be encouraged to explore, play and innovate in debate, practical tasks and challenges. The emphasis here is on deliberation, experimentation, creativity and ideas; on a spirit of open discussion, interpretation and play. As such, you will be using your own devices (e.g. your camera phone) rather than professional equipment. This process aims to encourage a sophisticated appreciation of the theory and criticism encountered, as well as a more thoughtful and inventive approach to practice that you will take forward into the MA. Latterly in the module, lectures and seminars will promote research and writing skills in support of an Essay which will encourage you to further consider theoretical currency in relation to contemporary film practice.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Seminar 24
Independent Study 140
Directed Study 24
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Evaluate key theoretical framework and critical concepts and consider their practical application in contemporary filmmaking.
LO2 Initiate, develop and realise written and audio-visual work informed by film theory and criticism.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Portfolio of theoretical engagement to include experimental practice and individual reflection 0 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 A fully researched and referenced Essay examining a key theoretical framework or critical position in relation to contemporary filmmaking 0 2500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1
Essay 1

Reading List

Allen, R. and Gomery, D. (1985) Film History: Theory and Practice, New York: McGraw-Hill.
Chann, M. (2008) The Politics of Documentary, London: BFI
Doughty, R. (2017) Understanding Film Theory, London: Bloomsbury
Dudley, A. (1976) The Major Film Theories, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Easthrope, A. (1993) Contemporary Film Theory, London: Longman.
Elsaesser, T. and Hagener, M. (2015) Film Theory: An Introduction Through The Senses, London: Routledge
Kracauer, S. (1997) Theory of Film, Princeton: Princeton University Press.
MacDougall, D. (2022) The Art of The Observer, Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Weis, E. and J. Belton. (1985) Film Sound: Theory and Practice, New York: Columbia University Press.