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Film Journalism

Core Course One

This course provides an introduction to the theoretical study of film journalism, from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The course also offers a key practical component and workshop based seminars provide an introduction to the wide variety of tasks carried out by film journalists.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to demonstrate:

  • The knowledge to reflect critically on examples of film journalism written from a number of conflicting perspectives across different historical periods.
  • The ability to communicate intelligently about films, both verbally and in writing.
  • An understanding of the relationship between journalism and the film industry.
  • The skills necessary to write film reviews and book reviews (about cinema); research, conduct and write up interviews with those working in the film industry; research and write features about aspects of films or the film industry.


Assessment
The purpose of this course is to develop the skills in writing and understanding required by a film journalist. Students must submit a portfolio of writing in order to pass the course and they will receive a mark in accordance with regulations for assessment based on a selection of four pieces that have been agreed in advance with the programme convenor. 

Sight and Sound Core Course Two

This course builds on both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired in Core Course One. As the programme progresses, however, there is a greater emphasis on contemporary concerns and on practical application. As with the previous course, workshop-based seminars are central as students gain an enhanced understanding of the practical tasks covered by journalists working in this field.   

On successful completion of the course students will be able to demonstrate the knowledge to reflect critically on examples of contemporary film journalism from a variety of sources, including trade journals and online sources. The skills necessary to write film reviews and DVD reviews for different formats and research and write features about aspects of films or the film industry. An understanding of the relationship between journalism, film festivals and other events. An understanding of the relationship between film journalism and the law as it applies to journalistic practice.

Assessment
Students must submit a portfolio of writing in order to pass the course. Assessment will be based on the portfolio and a 2500-word academic essay offering a critical analysis of the journalism surrounding any recent release, or any film agreed in advance with the Programme Convenor. Students will receive a mark in accordance with regulations for assessment based on the following:

30% - 2500 word academic essay

70% - 3 journalism pieces.

Semester Three

The third semester is devoted to individual research, which is supervised on an individual basis. The final piece of assessment will allow you to develop either a portfolio of journalistic writings (up to 12,000 words) or to pursue a topic about film writing in a 15,000 word dissertation. Both are worth 60 credits. The portfolio will test the range of your writing skills and your understanding of how to produce good film journalism. The dissertation offers the opportunity for you to demonstrate your theoretical understanding of the relationship between film journalism and cinema; you can choose this route if you wish to follow a more research-orientated approach. The specific content of the portfolio must be agreed in advance with your portfolio supervisor.