Leader: Leigh Astbury and Philip Anderson

Offered

Not offered in 2008

Synopsis

This unit (which does not require any background in French language or history) will introduce students to a variety of French films, with particular emphasis on recent material by leading contemporary directors. Students will view and discuss films by directors such as Audiard, Beineix, Besson, Blier, Carax, Godard, Guediguian, Kassovitz, Rivette, Rochant, Techine and Zonka. The unit aims to develop an awareness of different critical approaches and of specific cinematic genres and styles (from the New Wave to postmodernism) on the one hand, and the interaction between films and their social and cultural contexts on the other. The unit will cover social issues such as the malaise of youth, consumerism, urban problems, national identity, immigration and women's position in society.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Understand, discuss and analyse different cinematic genres and styles of contemporary French cinema
2. Develop and express an understanding of the socio-cultural context of contemporary France
3. Understand, discuss and analyse the ways in which selected French films reflect on and interpret social and cultural issues in contemporary France
4. Develop an ability to engage with written and visual texts and to understand a body of critical writing in the field Additional objective for students in French:
5. Develop a knowledge of specialist critical language in relation to film studies

Assessment

Visual Test (1500 words) : 30%
Essay (3000 words) : 60%
Class participation : 10%

Contact hours

1 x 1-hour lecture, 1 x 1-hour tutorial, 1 x 3 hour screening

Prohibitions

FRN3280