School of Humanities  
 
 
FIL-20005 Science Fiction Cinema: Utopias and Dystopias  
Co-ordinator: Dr Neil Archer   Tel:33202  
Teaching Team: 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
Film Studies Dual Honours (Level 2)
Film Studies Minor (Level 2)
Media, Communications and Culture Dual Honours (Level 2)
Media, Communications and Culture Minor (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Barred Combinations
None

Prerequisites
None

Description

This module aims to provide a critical introduction to many of the key theoretical ideas and historical contexts informing the development of science fiction cinema. Focusing on a number of significant films from the history of cinema, the module will look to define what constitutes science fiction as a film genre. In particular, we will consider science fiction cinema's function as a mode for exploring ideas and hypotheses, both about the future and - by reflection - about our present. We will also engage with debates about the status of science-fiction cinema ('sci-fi') in relation to science-fiction literature ('SF'), analysing their differences, and looking at the particular relationships viewers and readers have to science-fictional texts.
Aims
To develop an extensive knowledge of science fiction cinema as a specific area of film and cultural production, and to develop critical and analytical skills for assessing this cinema in its historical and cultural contexts; to be able to contribute to debates about the place and role of science fiction as a cultural form, and the distinctions between science fiction cinema and literature; to be able to compose detailed critical analyses of science-fiction texts, and produce reasoned written argument based on wide critical reading.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Situate film and theoretical texts in specific historical and cultural contexts will be achieved by assessments: 01/02/03
Discuss and analyse texts in a comparative framework will be achieved by assessments: 02/03
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between cultural production and transformations in society, technology, politics and philosophy will be achieved by assessments: 01/02/03
Identify key features of film language and form, and assess how these contribute to the meaning of films for audiences will be achieved by assessments: 01/02/03
Reflect on their own viewing experiences and interests in an engaged and critical fashion will be achieved by assessments: 01
Distinguish between the form and cultural significance of science fiction film and science fiction literature will be achieved by assessments: 01/02/03
Study hours
12x1 hour lecture, 12x1 hour seminar, 5x2 hour screening, 1 hour individual tutorial/feedback
15 hours for group study and project construction,
100 hours preparing for lectures, seminars and assessments two and three.
Description of Module Assessment
01: Group Project weighted 20% (min pass mark of 30)
1000 word case study
Case study on film chosen by student group from outside module-screened films
02: Essay weighted 40% (min pass mark of 30)
1500 word essay
One essay to be chosen from a selection of approximately five questions, based on the films and themes discussed on the module
03: Exam weighted 40% (min pass mark of 30)
2-hour two-part exam
Two questions to be answered on unseen questions relating to the module.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 02/Oct/2013

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