University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This course aims to provide a critical understanding of the ways in which theories of film have been formulated and applied, relating these theories to their historical and cultural context, and testing out their application to specific texts.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate a specific and comparative knowledge of various theoretical approaches to cinema;
  2. Analyse specific texts in structural, formal and historical terms;
  3. Demonstrate an enhanced awareness of film aesthetics and film cultures;
  4. Work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-direction, self-discipline and reflexivity;
  5. Demonstrate skills in written, oral and visual communications.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Film art" by David Bordwell, Kristin Thompson
    ISBN: 0070064393.
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  2. "Film theory and criticism" by edited by Leo Braudy, Marshall Cohen
    ISBN: 0195365623.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  3. "Readings and writings" by Peter Wollen
    ISBN: 0860910555.
    Publisher: Verso
  4. "Hitchcock's films revisited" by Robin Wood
    ISBN: 0231126956.
    Publisher: Columbia University Press
  5. "Image, music, text" by Roland Barthes; essays selected and translated [from the French] by Stephen Heath
    ISBN: 0006861350.
    Publisher: Fontana
  6. "Movies and methods" by edited by Bill Nichols
    ISBN: 0520031512.
    Publisher: University of California Press
  7. "Audio-vision" by Michel Chion; edited and translated by Claudia Gorbman; with a foreword by Walter Murch
    ISBN: 0231078986.
    Publisher: Columbia University Press
The above information outlines module FM521: "Critical Theory I" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.