Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU20578 Images & identities in flux: French cinema & the Auteur tradition |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW33ES67 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take EU20009 |
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Aims: To explore the nature and significance of cinema in contemporary French culture, with particular reference to questions of identity and representation and the Auteur theory; to develop familiarity with critical concepts and analytical techniques, within the context of dominant theoretical debate.
Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, students will be able to: * explain the relevance of cinema to contemporary cultural issues, specifically questions of identity and representation; * demonstrate a clear understanding of the films studied and of the Auteur tradition; * analyse films critically, using appropriate vocabulary and idiom; * recognise basic theoretical concepts and understand how to apply these to films being studied; * situate these films within the broader context of French cinema. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning and language skills are developed in this unit. Content: Topics for study include: the role and significance of cinema within French culture; the nature of first person viewpoint in film, in relation to issues of identity and representation; time and memory in film; filmic autobiography and the depiction of childhood; the Auteur theory and its significance; the nature of the filmic image and questions of technique; an introduction to film theory. Films to be studied will include: Zéro de conduite (Vigo, 1933); Les 400 coups (Truffaut, 1959); Diabolo menthe (Diane Kurys, 1977); Au revoir les enfants (Malle, 1987); Les Roseaux sauvages (Téchiné, 1994); La Haine (Kassovitz, 1995); Y aura-t-il de la neige à Noel? (Sandrine Veysset, 1996) |