LT347-6-FY-CO:
American Film Authors

The details
2024/25
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 27 June 2025
30
27 August 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

If American movies can still be characterised as constructing a dominant image of the United States (not only for the American people themselves but also for much of the rest of the world), then this filmmaking might be counted as one of the most influential and productive forces in the US culture industries. The cinema of the USA has not only reflected but also shaped and anticipated much of the country's history and politics, yet the key figures behind these media products are often far more complex, unpredictable, and even controversial than we might at first imagine. Researching and unpacking the nuances of their relationship to their craft has become a key task of doing film histories and film analysis.


This module aims to consider these ideas through examination of the work of directors, actors, writers, and other key figures who have worked both inside and outside Hollywood. Arguably, many of these figures have had a significant role in mapping the space of America in the popular imagination, while others have provided key alternatives to mainstream views and comprehension of the USA. While critically studying and interrogating the conventions of auteur theory, this module covers a breadth of US film history and genres. Films discussed may include Taxi Driver, Touch of Evil, The Night of the Hunter, 12 Years a Slave, Marvel's Avengers, Moonlight and The Miseducation of Cameron Post.



Content note:
This module may contain screenings and class clips that contain adult content (including but not limited to violence and sexual violence, themes of suicide or self-harm, and representations of war). If you are concerned that you might be adversely affected by such materials, please contact your module tutor or Personal Tutor. You may also find it useful to consult advisory websites such as the British Board of Film Classification (www.bbfc.co.uk) and Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org).

Module aims

The aims of the module are:



  • To gain insight into how the cinema of the USA has not only reflected but also shaped much of the country's history and politics

  • To gain exposure to US cinematic texts ranging from those of the classic studio system to more independent and alternative films

  • To examine in some detail select key figures behind US cinema products and engage more deeply with the stories and practices behind their films

  • To gain knowledge of US film authors and understand how this knowledge can contribute to the work of doing film histories and film analysis

  • To study and interrogate the conventions and limits of auteur theory

  • To gain enhanced skills in research and film analysis

  • To gain enhanced skills in written and verbal expression

Module learning outcomes

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



  1. Understand of how the cinema of the USA has not only reflected but shaped much of the country's history and politics.

  2. Have further exposure to US cinematic texts ranging from those of the classic studio system to more independent and alternative films.

  3. Have a greater knowledge of select key figures in US cinema history and the stories and practices behind their films.

  4. Have knowledge of US film authors and understanding of how this knowledge can contribute to the work of doing film histories and film analysis.

  5. Have a greater understanding of the conventions and limits of auteur theory.

  6. Gain enhanced skills in research and film analysis.

  7. Gain enhanced skills in written and verbal expression.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

Anticipated Teaching: Weekly 3-hour seminar (Autumn) and weekly 2-hour lectorial (Spring)

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Visual Studies Project  18/11/2024  15% 
Coursework   Autumn Term Essay  13/12/2024  20% 
Coursework   Group Presentation with PowerPoint Slides  17/03/2025  10% 
Coursework   Spring Term Essay  24/03/2025  25% 
Coursework   Summer Term Essay  29/04/2025  25% 
Practical   Participation    5% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Jeffrey Geiger, email: j.geiger@essex.ac.uk.
Professor Jeff Geiger
LiFTS General Office - email liftstt@essex.ac.uk. Telephone 01206 872626

 

Availability
No
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr Andrew Birtwistle
Canterbury Christ Church University
Reader in Film and Sound
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 27 hours, 27 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information

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