Module Directory

This interdisciplinary module aims to introduce students to a selected number of films, texts and artworks. Students who complete the module successfully will gain a broad overview and understanding of the creative process across different media.

Films, texts and artworks will be studied in detail, giving students a chance to describe, analyse and reflect on the work in question. This will be done both in class during discussions, screenings, and close readings, and at greater length in assignments.

An important aspect of the module lies in learning about some of the theoretical frameworks available to analyse the subject matter, and in becoming familiar with the vocabulary used to discuss and describe film, literature, and artwork. Students will be encouraged to become familiar with using key terms accurately and appropriately in their work.

The aims of this module are:

• To encourage students to develop interest and enjoyment in film, literature, and art.


• To develop students’ understanding of works in different genres.


• To provide students with the opportunity to explore the relationship between form and expression, as well as between the originator of the work and their audience.


• To enable students to think about the importance of the historical, literary, social and philosophical contexts of the film, text and artwork.


• To encourage students to express their responses effectively and with appropriate terminology.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Clearly communicate the knowledge, understanding and insight appropriate to analysis of film, text, or artwork, using appropriate terminology and accurate and coherent written or oral expression.


2. Evaluate the significance of contextual influences on the film, literary texts or artwork being studied.


3. Engage fully with the module through the taking of lecture notes, participation in class discussion and the undertaking of independent study.


4. Analyse assignment questions, and research and construct a response using appropriate terminology, and in suitably academic register.


5. Analyse exam questions and formulate a relevant response using appropriate terminology, and in suitably academic register.


6. Articulate independent opinions and judgements on the films, texts and artwork being studied in order to present information to a wider audience.


7. Demonstrate the critical reading and evaluation skills necessary to substantiate discussion of the work in question.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

After studying this module, students will have practised the following:

1. Discussions in small groups and the chance to exchange opinions on a range of issues as they may be suggested in each film, text or artwork studied. It is hoped this will build confidence as students are encouraged to participate fully. 


2. Time management: keeping up with weekly tasks and meeting assignment deadlines.


3. IT skills relating to undertaking the tasks set, i.e.  the reading requirements, watching of films or performances online, researching subject matter, production of assignments and so on.


4. Elements of reflective practice are present in engaging with feedback and in the reflective essay component of the Spring Term final assignment. It is hoped that this will contribute to the building of the students’ own ‘growth mindset’.

Indicative Syllabus

• An introduction to the vocabulary of film; drama, poetry, and prose; art.


• An introduction to key analytical frameworks and approaches.


• Narrative structures and storytelling techniques across different creative media.


• Visual storytelling in art and cinema.


• The use of symbolism, allegory, metaphor, and other imagery.


• Adaptations between literature, film, and art.


• Understanding the cultural and political context of film, literature, and art.


• Genres of film, literature, and art.


• Experimental forms of film, literature, and art.

Teaching and learning on Essex Pathways modules offer students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competences to study at undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

Teaching takes place in the form of 2 x 2-hour classes each week. Some class time may be dedicated to watching films or performances via Drama Online and BOB Learning On Screen; these resources are also available for independent study, through our Library website.

Students are expected to prepare thoroughly for and participate fully in seminar discussions. All class materials will be made available to students on Moodle, including assessment details, links to set reading or viewing, slides from the lecture and weekly task sheets with discussion questions. There will also be an opportunity for guided exam practice before the end of the year exam. This information will be made available on Moodle.