Unit information: Contemporary European Cinema in 2018/19

Unit name	Contemporary European Cinema
Unit code	MODL10009
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
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 contemporary European cinema. It explores some of the "blockbusters" of recent years against the backdrop of national film industries and develops the distinct and common features of a variety of films made in Europe between 1990 and the present. The following general issues are addressed: what makes a film a blockbuster; what are the dominant themes; what are the implications of filmmaking in Europe; and how does the film language differ from American blockbusters. Films to be studied may include: Boyle: Trainspotting (1996), Tykwer: Run Lola Run (1998), Almodovar: All About my Mother (1999) and Jeunet: Amelie (2001).

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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

this unit aims to

1. Introduce students to Classics of European cinema in its national context and to teach them how to approach film in an informed critical manner.
2. Students will gain an understanding of Classic European cinema in its historical dimension.
3. learn to appreciate aspects of how films are made.
4. Develop their ability to analyse and interpret visual texts.

Teaching Information

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

Assessment Information

3000 word essay 75% and presentation 25%

Reading and References

Films:

UK: Trainspotting Danny Boyle 1996

Italy: Mediterraneo (Gabriele Salvatores 1991)

Russia: Brother 1 and Brother 2 (Balabanov 1997/ 2000)

Germany: Run, Lola Run (Twyker 1998)

Spain: All about my mother (Alodovar)

France: Amélie (Jeunet 2001)

Denmark: Europa (Lars Von Triers 1991)