Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Three options:

1) Completion of 120 credits of the programme for the MA in Film with an average mark of 50%

2) Students opting to make a film as part of their dissertation must have taken MCH8003 Film Production 2

3) Students opting to write a script as part of their dissertation must have taken FMS8353 Screenwriting

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

In consonance with the overall aims of the MA in Film, this module aims to build on research skills and knowledge gained in the taught elements of the programme. It also aims to provide an opportunity for students to research and/or produce a film or a script in a specialist subject in depth and, where appropriate, prepare themselves for doctoral study in the chosen area.

The module allows students to write a dissertation on a subject of their choice to do with cinema, or to design and produce their own film or script along with an appropriate shorter dissertation.

Outline Of Syllabus

A topic relating to the taught elements of the programme; to be arranged in consultation with the Degree Programme Director and potential supervisor.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Show an in-depth knowledge of a topic of the student’s choice within film studies.
2. Show an increased awareness of theoretical paradigms.
3. Show an increased awareness of critical perspectives on issues in the study of film

For those students electing to produce a film as part of their assessment, additionally:
4. Show a working knowledge of methods of film production.
5. Show a good knowledge of rules and conventions appropriate to conveying meaning filmically.

For those students electing to produce a film as part of their assessment, additionally:

6. Show a working knowledge of appropriate forms and techniques of screenwriting.
7. Show a good knowledge of rules and convention appropriate to conveying meaning filmically.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Manage projects effectively
2. Research in depth a topic and the critical literature on it
3. Synthesise information and present it clearly in the form of an extended piece of writing
4. Structure an extended argument
5. Construct an extensive, accurate, and comprehensive bibliography and, where appropriate, filmography
6. Show enhanced skills involved in the close analysis of film texts

For those students electing to produce a film as part of their assessment, additionally:

7. Plan, shoot and edit a film within specified time limits
8. Research, prepare and produce a screenplay according to approved conventions.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation will give student the opportunity of researching a topic and/or producing an extended film narrative or script, of trying out knowledge and understanding, and of demonstrating an in-depth, critical knowledge of a film topic and/or a filmic narrative appropriate to Masters level.

Tutorials allow student and supervisor to
* ascertain progress
* identify problems
* plan study or production tactics and schedule
* develop an overall strategy for completion
and the supervisor to offer staged support through guided and progressively adjusted autonomous learning.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students can elect to:

1. Write a dissertation of 15,000-18,000 words, OR

2. To produce a film lasting between 5 and 12 minutes in addition to a 7,000-word dissertation. Students wishing to choose the option to make a film will normally need to have passed FMS8352 Digital Storytelling or equivalent, OR

3. To produce a script of 15-20 pages/3-4000 words in addition to a 7000 word dissertation

Students taking the script/dissertation or film/dissertation option, these elements will be weighted 50:50. Students must achieve an average mark of 50% over both components to pass the module.

Students wishing to choose the option to make a film will normally need to have passed MCH8003 Film Production or equivalent.

Students wishing to choose the option to write a screenplay will normally need to have passed FMS8353 Screenwriting.

Written work will allow student to demonstrate higher intellectual skills of understanding, analysis and evaluation. It will also allow candidates to practice personal research and information literacy skills.

Film Production/Screenwriting will allow students to demonstrate the skills involved in developing film narrative at length, and will also allow candidates to practice technical skills.



**a film of between 5 and 12 minutes AND a 7,000-word dissertation (the latter weighted 50%/50%)

OR

**a film script of 15-20 pages (3-4000 words, equates to a film of approx. 15-20 mins), plus a 7000 word dissertation on a connected topic (weighted 50%/50%).

General Notes

N/A