Ways into advanced film studies: film history

What is the course about?

This advanced film studies course explores the history of cinema, as well as what it means to study cinema history. In taking a self-reflexive approach to the object of the study, the course will open up the complexity of the discipline and demonstrate the multiple perspectives that might be taken. We will look at how certain earlier historical methods are now considered rather less reliable than previously thought and show how the narratives that have evolved to tell the ‘story’ of cinema need to be regularly put into question. We will explore a range of methodological approaches and use various examples to illustrate some of the histories of cinema that one might tell. In doing so we will think about questions of nation, culture, industry, and technology. We will analyse individual films and filmmakers, but we will also look at those associated with particular groups or specific moments in film and/or broader history. We will explore the national, cultural, political and social contexts that relate to particular areas of film history, whether we are thinking about film as an industrial product or a cultural artefact, in other words, a work of art.

In highlighting a range of methodologies and adopting some of these in your own analyses, this course will deepen your understanding of film history, but it will also expand your ideas about what it means to undertake historical research, in effect what doing film history might actually be.

What will we cover?

• What it means to study film history
• Key methodological approaches to the study of film history
• The national, cultural, political and social context determining a given period in film history.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Demonstrate familiarity with a range of methodological approaches to the study of film history
• Have an understanding of the complexity, mutability and diversity of historical approaches to the study of film
• Critically evaluate the role of specific filmmakers and/or films in the development of film history
• Evaluate the role and importance of the national, cultural, political and social context for film history.

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

The course is designed for those wishing to expand upon their existing knowledge of film studies. It does presuppose some previous familiarity with film studies and as such is not aimed at beginners. The course will be useful for those considering further study, possibly at university level.

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

Screenings of extracts from films, talks by the tutor, reading materials, small and large group discussions. Some directed reading and viewing outside of the class will also be required.

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

You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts. The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.

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

This course is followed by HF332 Ways into Advanced Film Studies: Film Theory. You can also look for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.