Unit information: Classics of European Cinema in 2021/22

Unit name	Classics of European Cinema
Unit code	MODL10010
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Ms. Taylor
Open unit status	Open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Modern Languages
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit introduces students to some "classics" of European cinema. It explores these films in the context of their national film industries and histories and analyses the distinct and common features of a variety of films made in Europe in the twentieth century. The following general issues are addressed: what makes a film a "classic"; what themes of methods unite or distinguish these films; and how does film language in Europe differ from nation to nation. Films to be studied may include: Lang: Metropolis (1925); Eisenstein: The Battleship Potemkin (1925); Renoir: La Règle du Jeu (1939); Buñuel: Viridiana (1961); Rossellini: Rome Open City (1945).

Aims:

Through the study of a minimum of eight cinematic texts, this unit aims to introduce students to European cinema in its national context and to teach them how to approach film in an informed critical manner. Lectures on individual films will be complemented by generic lectures on theoretical and cultural aspects of film production and criticism. Students will gain an understanding of European cinema in its historical dimension, learn to appreciate aspects of how films are made, and develop their ability to analyse and interpret visual texts.

This unit is taught over 12 weeks of two contact hours per week, which will include Lectures and Seminars.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, students will be able:

1. To provide a sophisticated account, appropriate to the level, of classics of European cinema in their national and historical context
2. To conduct critical analysis of film, demonstrating practical knowledge and understanding of the skills and methods needed.
3. To articulate a sophisticated understanding, appropriate to the level, of how films are made.
4. To demonstrate effective academic presentation skills.
5. To conduct independent research appropriate to the level.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous sessions and asynchronous activities, including seminars, lectures, and collaborative as well as self-directed learning opportunities supported by tutor consultation.

Assessment Information

1 x group presentation (25%) testing ILO's 1-4

1 x 2000-word essay (75%) testing ILO's 1-3 and 5

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MODL10010).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.