Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
'Social realism' is often seen as a well-known, even quintessential tradition in British cinema. But what exactly defines British social realism? This module will explore a wide variety of films and movements ¿ including the documentary film tradition in the 1930s, the British New Wave and `new realism¿ in contemporary cinema. By taking this module, students will learn about the styles, themes and historical production and reception contexts of key British social realist films. In the process, students will look at the filmmakers and film traditions that have carved out, critically interrogated and radically reimagined the forms and possibilities of realism in British cinema.
Aims
- Introduce students to films, filmmakers and movements that form part of a diverse, evolving realist tradition in British cinema- Familiarise students with the forms, styles, themes and historical contexts of different movements in British film history ¿ including Griersonian documentaries, 1960s New Wave films, film collectives in the 1970s-80s, and the contemporary movement of `new realism¿ in British cinema- Enable students to learn about the socio-cultural, political and industrial contexts of social realist filmmaking and to analyse representations of class, age, race, gender and sexuality using a range of conceptual approaches and theoretical concepts - Introduce students to debates surrounding realism and social realism in screen studies ¿ including theories on realism; definitions of social, moral and poetic realism; British national cinema; regional or local identities; politics, authorship and aesthetics.
Intended Learning Outcomes
recognise a range of British social realist films and movements, and the various, mutable forms and traditions of realist film practice: 1,2gain and apply knowledge and understanding of British film history ¿ including major movements like the Griersonian documentary movement and the 1960s New Wave and more recent `new realism¿: 1,2develop their existing skills in close film analysis ¿ and explore key aspects of film form including mise-en-scène, cinematography and performance in close detail: 1,2develop skills in applying a range of theoretical concepts and approaches in Film Studies, and in exploring films within their social, cultural, political and industrial contexts: 1,2adopt and apply methodologies, drawing on secondary historical studies and primary archival texts in seminars and independent research: 1,2
24 hours ¿ seminars [12 x 2 hour weekly seminars]22 hours ¿ film watching [11 x 2 hour screenings]48 hours ¿ seminar preparation18 hours ¿ preparation/work on first assessment 38 hours ¿ essay research and writing
Description of Module Assessment
1: Short Paper weighted 30%Film Treatment/Scene AnalysisStudents will produce EITHER a) 1250-word treatment for a social realist film project, outlining the chosen subject/story and justifying creative decisions within the wider and more recent history/understanding of social realist film, OR b) a 1250-word close analysis of a sequence from a chosen film, not discussed on the module, looking at its aesthetic choices and discussing them in relation to the history and theories of social realist film.
2: Essay weighted 70%EssayStudents will produce a 2000 word essay, based on one of a set of questions provided [these questions will cover all concepts, issues and historical contexts covered on the module]. Students may also construct their own essay question with advice from the module convenor.