Can a film do good - or harm – in the world? Do filmmakers have a moral duty to their subjects, their audience, or their art? Do film audiences have responsibilities, rights or duties, and what would those be? In this course, we will explore the moral dimensions of the moving image — from the ethics of cinematic representation and spectatorship to the responsibilities of filmmakers and audiences alike.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Through discussion and close film analysis, we will examine how films can both challenge and reinforce our moral beliefs, and how cinema continues to shape the way we think about what it means to ‘do good’.
What will we cover?
The course will train students to think philosophically and ethically with film. Each week, students will be introduced to a key branch of ethical philosophy (utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, etc) and be given a snapshot introduction to some key debates and methodologies. We will then apply that insight to the study of film, using debate, discussion and close film analysis to tease out an ethical relationship with the moving image. We will examine how filmmakers navigate responsibility, power, and representation, the moral psychology of the viewer and cinema’s potential as a force for empathy, justice, or harm. Ultimately, we will ask – can watching films make us better people?
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand the complex relationship between ethics, philosophy, and film.
Identify how moral frameworks such as utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics can be applied to the moving image.
Analyse the ethical implications of cinematic style, spectatorship, and representation.
Develop a more reflective and responsible approach to engaging with film as both a viewer and critic.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in film, ethics, or philosophy. No prior knowledge is required — just curiosity and a willingness to debate and discuss ideas. A general familiarity with film culture will be helpful, but the course is designed to be accessible to all, whatever your background.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each two-hour session will combine illustrated lectures with group discussion and close film analysis. The first half of the class will introduce an ethical concept or theory, and the second half will explore how that idea plays out in specific films and viewing experiences. You may be encouraged to watch a short film or clip between sessions to enrich the next discussion, but there is no required homework or assessment.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no core course texts, as we will be exploring different ideas each week. Students will be provided with a suggested reading list and a selection of films to watch for each session. These will not be mandatory, but might increase a student’s depth of understanding and enjoyment of each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please look for further courses on our City Lit website: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities
Dr Alexander Sergeant is an award-winning film historian and theorist. His varied research interests include the history of popular culture, particularly within the US, and the intersection between film and philosophy. He is the author of Encountering the Impossible: The Fantastic in Hollywood Fantasy Cinema (2021), and co-editor ofFantasy/Animation: Connections Between Media, Mediums & Genres (2018). He is the co-founder of the popular website Fantasy-Animation.org and co-host of the Fantasy/Animation podcast.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/film-and-ethics2996288Film and Ethicshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/50-films-HF004-1024.jpg129129GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Introductory & general/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies22851177154815801228511771580<p>Can a film do good - or harm – in the world? Do filmmakers have a moral duty to their subjects, their audience, or their art? Do film audiences have responsibilities, rights or duties, and what would those be? In this course, we will explore the moral dimensions of the moving image — from the ethics of cinematic representation and spectatorship to the responsibilities of filmmakers and audiences alike.</p>002996258Film and Ethics129129https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/50-films-HF004-1024.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-04-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHF423129129Film and Ethics12984129Alex Sergeantfilm-and-ethics/hf423-2526<p>Can a film do good - or harm – in the world? Do filmmakers have a moral duty to their subjects, their audience, or their art? Do film audiences have responsibilities, rights or duties, and what would those be? In this course, we will explore the moral dimensions of the moving image — from the ethics of cinematic representation and spectatorship to the responsibilities of filmmakers and audiences alike.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-29 00:00:00<p>Through discussion and close film analysis, we will examine how films can both challenge and reinforce our moral beliefs, and how cinema continues to shape the way we think about what it means to ‘do good’.</p><p>Can a film do good - or harm – in the world? Do filmmakers have a moral duty to their subjects, their audience, or their art? Do film audiences have responsibilities, rights or duties, and what would those be? In this course, we will explore the moral dimensions of the moving image — from the ethics of cinematic representation and spectatorship to the responsibilities of filmmakers and audiences alike.</p><p>The course will train students to think philosophically and ethically with film. Each week, students will be introduced to a key branch of ethical philosophy (utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, etc) and be given a snapshot introduction to some key debates and methodologies. We will then apply that insight to the study of film, using debate, discussion and close film analysis to tease out an ethical relationship with the moving image. We will examine how filmmakers navigate responsibility, power, and representation, the moral psychology of the viewer and cinema’s potential as a force for empathy, justice, or harm. Ultimately, we will ask – can watching films make us better people?</p><ul><li>Understand the complex relationship between ethics, philosophy, and film.</li><li>Identify how moral frameworks such as utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics can be applied to the moving image.</li><li>Analyse the ethical implications of cinematic style, spectatorship, and representation.</li><li>Develop a more reflective and responsible approach to engaging with film as both a viewer and critic.<br/> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for anyone interested in film, ethics, or philosophy. No prior knowledge is required — just curiosity and a willingness to debate and discuss ideas. A general familiarity with film culture will be helpful, but the course is designed to be accessible to all, whatever your background.</p><p>Each two-hour session will combine illustrated lectures with group discussion and close film analysis. The first half of the class will introduce an ethical concept or theory, and the second half will explore how that idea plays out in specific films and viewing experiences. You may be encouraged to watch a short film or clip between sessions to enrich the next discussion, but there is no required homework or assessment.</p><p>There are no core course texts, as we will be exploring different ideas each week. Students will be provided with a suggested reading list and a selection of films to watch for each session. These will not be mandatory, but might increase a student’s depth of understanding and enjoyment of each session.</p><p>Please look for further courses on our City Lit website: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities</p>Film studiesIntroductory & generalvirtual12912984HF423NONEWed29/04/26 - 20/05/2618:00 - 20:0018:0020:001 session1One-off onlyEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAlex SergeantBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-29T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities129129Film and Ethicsfilm-and-ethics/hf423-2526<p>Can a film do good - or harm – in the world? Do filmmakers have a moral duty to their subjects, their audience, or their art? Do film audiences have responsibilities, rights or duties, and what would those be? In this course, we will explore the moral dimensions of the moving image — from the ethics of cinematic representation and spectatorship to the responsibilities of filmmakers and audiences alike.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-29 00:00:00<p>Through discussion and close film analysis, we will examine how films can both challenge and reinforce our moral beliefs, and how cinema continues to shape the way we think about what it means to ‘do good’.</p><p>Can a film do good - or harm – in the world? Do filmmakers have a moral duty to their subjects, their audience, or their art? Do film audiences have responsibilities, rights or duties, and what would those be? In this course, we will explore the moral dimensions of the moving image — from the ethics of cinematic representation and spectatorship to the responsibilities of filmmakers and audiences alike.</p><p>The course will train students to think philosophically and ethically with film. Each week, students will be introduced to a key branch of ethical philosophy (utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, etc) and be given a snapshot introduction to some key debates and methodologies. We will then apply that insight to the study of film, using debate, discussion and close film analysis to tease out an ethical relationship with the moving image. We will examine how filmmakers navigate responsibility, power, and representation, the moral psychology of the viewer and cinema’s potential as a force for empathy, justice, or harm. Ultimately, we will ask – can watching films make us better people?</p><ul><li>Understand the complex relationship between ethics, philosophy, and film.</li><li>Identify how moral frameworks such as utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics can be applied to the moving image.</li><li>Analyse the ethical implications of cinematic style, spectatorship, and representation.</li><li>Develop a more reflective and responsible approach to engaging with film as both a viewer and critic.<br/> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for anyone interested in film, ethics, or philosophy. No prior knowledge is required — just curiosity and a willingness to debate and discuss ideas. A general familiarity with film culture will be helpful, but the course is designed to be accessible to all, whatever your background.</p><p>Each two-hour session will combine illustrated lectures with group discussion and close film analysis. The first half of the class will introduce an ethical concept or theory, and the second half will explore how that idea plays out in specific films and viewing experiences. You may be encouraged to watch a short film or clip between sessions to enrich the next discussion, but there is no required homework or assessment.</p><p>There are no core course texts, as we will be exploring different ideas each week. Students will be provided with a suggested reading list and a selection of films to watch for each session. These will not be mandatory, but might increase a student’s depth of understanding and enjoyment of each session.</p><p>Please look for further courses on our City Lit website: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities</p>Film studiesIntroductory & generalconfigurable
15481580Introductory & generalhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/film-studies/introductory-general1/2/285/1177/1580/15481/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Introductory & general
