Melodrama & Film Noir: Issues Of Genre Creation FTV4049

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

The aims of the course are

1. to deepen understanding of how genres are created through critical
work and historical context;
2. to develop an understanding of how generic approaches have been used
in film theory;
3. to develop further skills in textual analysis

Timetable

10 weeks of 5hr long sessions, comprising a combination of:

* Lectures
* Screenings
* Seminars
* Small-group work
* Student contributions
* Use of film and television clips

Requirements of Entry

standard requirements into the FTV honours programme

Assessment

1. An essay of 2,000 words to be handed in on a set date within a month of the end of the course. The essay will provide the opportunity to do detailed textual work on films chosen by the students and particular account will be taken of how textual analysis is linked to an understanding of more general theories of genre (50%)
2. An unseen examination of 2 hours in the May/June exam diet. This will provide the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of key aspects of both genres and of the critical context in which genres are constructed.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

The aims of the course are

1. to deepen understanding of how genres are created through critical
work and historical context;
2. to develop an understanding of how generic approaches have been used
in film theory;
3. to develop further skills in textual analysis

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

On completion of the course you will be able to

1. demonstrate an understanding of how critical context can shape film genres;

2. analyse the aesthetic, narrative and thematic organisation of particular films within a chosen genre

3. compare and account for the key aspects of the two genres;

4. demonstrate how these genres might provide a framework for contemporary film and/or television

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.