module specification

This module explores issues of reception and interpretation within the field of film studies both in historical and theoretical terms. Using a variety of case-studies, the module explores the historical and theoretical issues that inform and structure film reception and interpretation, the interaction between text and context and the formation of film canons.

To develop an understanding of the significance of taste and evaluation in relation to issues of canonicity and historiography within the field of film studies.

To provide students with a theoretical and historical understanding of critical perspectives on film reception and interpretation.

To explore the issues that inform and structure film reception and interpretation and the interaction between text and context.

This module considers issues of reception and interpretation within the field of film studies from both a historical and theoretical perspective. Using a variety of case-studies, the module explores the historical and theoretical issues that inform and structure film reception and interpretation, the interaction between text and context and the formation of taste cultures. Case studies might include cinephilia and film history, canons and canonicity, cult films and counter-canons, stars and reception, censorship and controversy, camp, film festivals, fandom and audiences, new technologies and new cinephilia.

Blended learning will be deployed through WebLearn to support teaching and learning including visual resources, readings and learning materials. Opportunities for reflective learning will be facilitated though seminars and workshops.

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

Conceive, plan and undertake a piece of written work of research and planning.

Critically evaluate arguments and assumptions which underpin film reception and interpretation through independent research on one category of reception.

Apply the theoretical and historical issues and methods that they have learned to review by carrying out a piece of independent reception case-study.

This module’s mode of assessment promotes independent learning and research skills. Building on the portfolio of research and planning and the formal feedback they receive, students will have the opportunity to focus in-depth on a topic and to demonstrate their understanding of a range of issues around film, reception and interpretation in their final assignment.

David Bordwell, On the History of Film Style (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1997).
Pierre Bourdieu, Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste, translated by Richard Nice (London: Routledge, 1984).
Noel King, 'Hermeneutics, Reception Aesthetics, and Film Interpretation', in John Hill and Pamela Church Gibson (eds.), The Oxford Guide to Film Studies (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998), 212-223.
Janet Staiger, Perverse Spectators (New York and London: New York University Press, 2000).