FIL-20005 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

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.

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: 1,2
Discuss and analyse texts in a comparative framework: 1,2
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between cultural production and transformations in society, technology, politics and philosophy: 1,2
Identify key features of film language and form, and assess how these contribute to the meaning of films for audiences: 1,2
Reflect on their own viewing experiences and interests in an engaged and critical fashion: 1,2
Distinguish between the form and cultural significance of science fiction film and science fiction literature: 1,2

Study hours

12x1 hour lecture, 12x1 hour seminar, 5x2 hour screening, 2 hour individual consultation/feedback
24 hours preparation for seminars
30 hours preparation of first assessment
60 hours preparation for second assessment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment