Ways into advanced film studies: film theory

What is the course about?

This advanced film studies course will introduce you to some of the most important ideas that have been developed in film theory, since critics and writers first began to think analytically about the cinema. Commentators on film have long wondered why it is able to exert such a powerful effect on its audiences, just as they have tried to understand how it is exactly that it communicates its stories to its viewers. Early writers wondered whether it could legitimately be seen as an art form or whether it was simply popular entertainment; they weren’t sure that it could be both. We will consider some of these questions and we look at a number of key texts that sought to respond to some of these same concerns. As film studies developed in universities in the 1960s, in part an effect of the writings (and teachings) of the celebrated French film critic and theorist André Bazin, so film theory began to evolve, drawing on disciplines such as literature and history, but also on areas such as psychoanalysis, Marxist theory, Structuralist theory and others. The latter part of this course will consider these theoretical developments, exploring some of the most significant of them, and looking at how they have evolved to produce newer theoretical approaches, while often remaining as relevant as ever themselves. As with many things, film theory has its own history and its own ‘fashions’, with some theoretical approaches appearing less popular today than others. It is important to note, also, that while theory can often appear off-putting and jargon laden, this course will endeavour to make this, admittedly sometimes complex material, accessible. We will illustrate the theories considered with clips from appropriate films and explain them in language that is readily understood.

What will we cover?

• Early film ‘theories’, including Hugo Munsterberg’s writings on cinema
• Writings that attempt to legitimise film as a distinct art form
• André Bazin
• The emergence and development of academic film theory
• Psychoanalytic film theory
• Marxist film theory
• Feminist film theory
• Questions of nation and race
• Film spectatorship
• Recent developments in film theory.

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

• Demonstrate familiarity with a range of early film ‘theories’
• Show an awareness and understanding of early attempts to delineate film as a distinct art form
• Describe the emergence of film theory in an academic context
• Recognise and deploy critically certain key theoretical terms when analysing film
• Demonstrate familiarity with, and a basic understanding of, a range of more ‘contemporary’ film theories.

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?

Look for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.