School of Humanities  
 
 
FIL-20002 Film Genre, Narrative and the Star  
Co-ordinator: Dr Neil Archer   Tel:33202  
Teaching Team: Prof Joe  Andrew, Mrs Christine  Edge, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts,  Darren  Kerr  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Barred Combinations

None

Prerequisites

None

Description

This module will explore the significance of generic categorisation, narrative order and the position of the Hollywood star in association with filmic constructions of identity and dis/pleasure. Generic classification will be studied in order to consider not only the purpose of such categorisations in terms of spectator expectations but further, to situate cinematic and filmic texts as part of a predicated economy. In terms of film narrative, this module will explore the cause-and-effect relationship associated with mainstream Hollywood film, distinctions between story and plot and the significance of cinematic codes in order to shape preferred meanings for filmic audiences. The module will also analyse the significance of the contemporary filmic star in terms of their positioning as both subjects and objects of desire. As such, the module will address pertinent questions such as: what is the relationship between performance and stardom and moreover, why are we as filmic spectators, so interested in film stars?

The purpose of this module is to convey to students the significance of these areas individually and collectively to the discipline of Film Studies as well as to encourage students to recognise the different theoretical approaches to genre, narrative and star studies by leading academics. Specific texts will be studied in order to explicate the differing modes and ways in which these three pertinent areas help to shape meaning in film and to consider how these areas relate to spectator gratification and pleasure. Through theoretical and illustrative lectures and contextualised screenings, this module will allow students to explore the ways in which certain genres, narrative structures and film stars operate. Indicative study texts may include 'The Battle of Orgreave' (Figgis, 2001), 'Gladiator' (Scott, 2000) and 'Memento' (Nolan, 2000).

Aims

to explore how academic film study relates to the negotiation of generic categorisation, narrative structure and the significance of film stars in cinema;
to enable students to critically explore generic classification in relation to audience gratification and narrative cohesion;
to enable students to evaluate the ways in which filmic 'star studies' relate to socialisation and industrial and aesthetic contextualisation;
to enable students to critically identify, analyse and negotiate generic boundaries, narrative structures and $ůstar&© contributions through close analysis of specific filmic texts.




Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate and apply the theoretical concepts that have been considered in relation to generic classification, narrative structure and the star on-screen.
will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
describe and explain the ways in which generic and narrative conventions relate to social and material practice.
will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
apply critical knowledge to a range of visual texts that negotiate generic classifications, mainstream and non-mainstream cause-and-effect narrative structure and star study in various ways.
will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
discuss and apply cross-cultural and inter-textual reading of film that takes into account different theoretical and social approaches to genre, narrative and star study.
will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3


Study hours

10 hours lectures
12 hours seminars
38 hours seminar preparation
60 hours assessment preparation
30 hours film viewing



Description of Module Assessment

01: Webct weighted 20%
4 x 5% webct tests
4 x 5% webct tests. 2 of 4 webCT assessments cover lecture and reading material only. Remaining 2 of 4 WebCT assessments require peer-review/comment on an academic web thread related to the teaching topic. All webCT tests will be undertaken via the KLE and all registered module students have full access to the KLE site.

02: Essay weighted 40%
Formal essay
an analysis of narrative structure or generic classification in one of the key films, written in the form of anessay of 1,500-1750 words, and chosen from a list distributed at the start of the module

03: 2 Hour Exam weighted 40%
2-hour exam
Students select two essay-style questions from a list of options. The questions will be based on the module contents.


Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.