Building on the thematic and historical context introduced at Level 4, this module enables you to create a theoretical framework within which to investigate and understand some of the critical issues affecting the practice and interpretation of contemporary filmmaking. With a close focus on analysis of key case studies, a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and group and individual screenings inform and support your own emerging research interests and the development of independent visual and academic research skills common to both the historical and theoretical study of film and practice of filmmaking. With reference to important concepts and primary texts that have informed the development of film theory, you will acquire the knowledge and analytical skills to build a framework within which to engage with the critical contexts in which filmmaking operates today. You will also develop research methods appropriate to the study and practice of your discipline, propose an area of research for development at Level 6, and begin to contextualise and make sense of the concerns emerging in your own practice.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
This module will integrate subject content and research skills through lectures, seminars tutorials, screenings and visits. Hands-on workshop seminars enable the application of research skills to explore a range of current issues affecting research and practice in contemporary issues in filmmaking. In addition, the module will actively engage with films in order to develop critical and interpretive strategies. Key film sequences shown and discussed. Seminars will enable students to discuss key readings, and connect themes to particular films and scenes. Students will be involved in leading seminars by selecting films and readings which position their own interests and filmmaking practices. Where possible, study visits and screenings will be scheduled throughout the module.
The module will make use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas for communication and dissemination of information between students and staff as well as making online learning materials available to all. Students should check this site on a daily basis for module information, timetables, sign-ups, updates and additional information and teaching materials.
All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, seminars, workshops, screenings and tutorials Study groups | 44 44 |
| Guided independent study | 212 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Assessment for this module is by written Essay (2,500 words) responding to a brief but developed in relation to students' individual research area of interest, and Research Portfolio (including some or all of the following: film reviews; film analyses; textual analyses; film-essay; and Dissertation Proposal as well as lecture notes and independent research).
The Essay responds to themes introduced in lectured content and developed via workshops. Formative feedback will assist students in identifying an area of research to be developed in their Research Portfolio. Formative feedback on this at mid-term crit will feed into the development of the final element, a Dissertation Proposal.
Essay (2,500 words) 50%
Research Portfolio 50%
BA Art and Design History & Practice students only:
BA Art and Design History and Practice students will submit a 2500 word Essay (50%) and a Research Portfolio (50%). In the first part of this module students will produce an essay which responds to a set question relating to the issues, debates and themes explored during the course and developed through students' own disciplinary interests. The Research Portfolio is the repository for each student's response to set tasks, exercises and self-initiated research. This will include a range of tasks such as image and object analyses, an exhibition review and a photo essay.
The Research Portfolio will include either a Dissertation Proposal or a Critical Reflection (both approximately 1200 words). Only one of these forms of assessment can be submitted per HA51.. module, and each can only be submitted once across both modules. The Dissertation proposal will serve to identify and locate an area of individual research related to the student's design practice and map out aims, objectives and resources to be investigated in future study at Level 6. The Critical Reflection allows students to reflect on the hybridity of their course, to evaluate the similarities and differences in methods and ideas encountered across the Level 5 modules and to consider the influence that this cross disciplinary learning may have had on their research interests as they prepare to progress to Level 6.
Feedback and feed forward will be provided for elements of the research portfolio, as these are initiated as part of scheduled teaching activities.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Demonstrate a depth of knowledge of the current practices and critical debates concerning contemporary filmmaking; | Essay (2,500 words) Research Portfolio |
| 2) Articulate and apply the ideas of a range of key critical and theoretical positions in relation to the production, dissemination and consumption of film; | Essay (2,500 words) Research Portfolio |
| 3) Present an informed and creative engagement with the ways research into film can be approached methodologically; | Essay (2,500 words) Research Portfolio |
| 4) Demonstrate a reflective, critical and creative engagement with film through visual, material and textual examples; | Essay (2,500 words) Research Portfolio |
| 5) Articulate their own experiences as practitioners and researchers in relation to historical and contemporary concerns | Research Portfolio |
| 6) Locate their own research practice and personal interests in a self directed chosen area and identify personal research objectives and key resources. | Research Portfolio |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2,500 words) | Coursework | 50% |
| Research Portfolio including a Dissertation Proposal | Coursework | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
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