The golden age of British cinema: great expectations (film studies)

Postwar Powell and Pressburger, Lean, Greene and Reed and Ealing-British films had a reputation as adult and sophisticated and were welcomed by a new audience. You will become that audience and view,discuss and evaluate.

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Key course information

Dates
19/09/11 - 05/12/11

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
12 weeks

Time
17:30 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £124
Senior fee: £124

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HF011

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

An often neglected or relegated cinema - the British cinema - at a time when it was watched and celebrated throughout the world, with a box-office equal to Hollywood. What were the conditions that created this Golden Age when classics poured regularly from the studios? Post-war Powell & Pressburger, Lean, Greene & Reed were writers and directors reaching their peak at the same moment as British films gained a reputation as adult, sophisticated and welcomed by a new audience. Learners will become that postwar audience.

What topics will we cover?

The growing importance of British social realism and documentary during WW2, tax levies and Hollywood imports, careers of various directors reaching a peak during the 1940s, studio conditions of production, the association of studios with genres (e.g. Ealing comedies and Gainsborough melodramas).

By the end of this course you should be able to:

formulate the contents, themes and styles of the leading directors
distinguish the types of films produced by different studios
discuss how the cinema related to postwar social conditions
list the top twenty films of this period
criticise/analyse a particular film from this period.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

All levels, a mirror of the cinema-going audience. You will gain the ability to see clearly.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Lecture, screening, interviews, student introductions to clips, tutor’s re-mix/mash-up to stimulate discussion.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

None. You will be invited to bring and screen your own favourite clips.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The Red Shoes vs. Black Swan scene by scene, Brighton Rock scene by scene.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.