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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Cinema and Society
Reference CB4305 Version 2
Created February 2024 SCQF Level SCQF 10
Approved June 2018 SCQF Points 15
Amended April 2024 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To develop a critical understanding of visual, narrative and ideological structures in cinema.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Analyse critically the public and ideological functions of cinematic form
2 Examine critically key theoretical frameworks relevant to cinema and film
3 Evaluate the changing context of audience positioning and reception
4 Identify and evaluate critically key filmmakers and movements.

Indicative Module Content
This module develops students' understanding of the visual, narrative and ideological structures in cinema. It examines the function and purpose of film within various contexts and considers the industrial representation of events, people and places produced by the film studios. Consideration is given to the following: key theoretical frameworks, filmmakers and movements; motion picture industry; audience reception and fan culture; cinematic signs and meaning; status of early cinema; developments and departures in film as classic realist text; the construction of history and national identity; representation of class, race, gender and sexuality; censorship and film board classifications. The module engages students with UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development in regard to the following competency: Critical Thinking and allows students to develop the ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on their own values, perceptions and actions.

Module Delivery
Lectures, tutorials, directed reading and screenings.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 36 36
Non-Contact Hours 114 114
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Individual Written Assessment

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The calculation of the overall grade for this module is based on 100% weighting of C1. An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A The student needs to achieve an A in C1.
B The student needs to achieve a B in C1.
C The student needs to achieve a C in C1.
D The student needs to achieve a D in C1.
E The student needs to achieve an E in C1.
F The student needs to achieve an F in C1.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BORDWELL, D., 2017. Reinventing Hollywood: how 1940s Filmmakers changed movie storytelling. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
2 ETHERINGTON-WRIGHT, C. and DOUGHTY, R., 2017. Understanding Film Theory. 2nd ed. London: Palgrave MacMillan.
3 LOWENSTEIN, A., 2015. Dreaming of cinema: spectatorship, Surrealism and the age of digital media.. Columbia: Columbia University Press.
4 MCDONALD, K., 2016. Film Theory: the basics.. London: Routledge.
5 PHILLIPS, W.H., 2009. Film: an introduction. 4th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
6 STURKEN, M. and CARTWRIGHT, L., 2009. Practices of looking. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
7 WOOD, R., 2008. Hitchcock's films revisited. Columbia: Columbia University Press.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781