Understanding Film

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
MDIA 1008
Course ID icon
Course ID
201033
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the foundations of studying film as a discipline, including its key historic, theoretical and formal aspects.  Organised around three separate but inter-related areas (narrative form, film style and film theory), students will learn to analyse, research and discuss films from a range of periods and to study films from a range of countries and cultures to develop skills in cross-cultural awareness.

  • Narrative & Film Form  
  • Film Style
  • Film Theory

Course learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key historic, theoretical and formal aspects of film
  • Research and analyse a range of films from different historic periods through to the present day
  • Read and interpret film criticism and apply it to academic argument and discussion
  • Write logical and coherent analytic arguments based on film analysis and appropriate research
  • Use relevant technologies, research, writing and analytic skills to complete assessments

Assessment

Essay, Annotated Bibliography, Critical Analysis