Film Studies: Degree Project, 15 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed studies, the student shall show

• a deeper understanding of the scientific theories, methodology, and research design functions in examining problems in film studies and to some extent media and communication studies.

Competence and Skills
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• independently develop, examine, discuss, and present a delimited research problem, in film studies and/or media and communication studies, in the form of an essay,
• with increased competence and skills, in oral and written form engage in critical dialog concerning knowledge in film studies and/or media and communication studies, and
• with increased complexity contribe to scientific discussions, and present and receive criticism in a constructive manner.

Judgement and Approach
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• review existing research in an independent, critical and constructive way with regard to how the analysis was planned, conducted and presented,
• assume responsibility for the ethical quality of his/her own knowledge production, and
• recognize and maintain good tone and a scientific perspective in the communication with teachers and fellow students.

Main content of the course

In this course the students conduct an academic research project. Special emphasis is placed on the harmonization of research problem, aim/purpose, method, analysis, and conclusions. The results are presented in essay form and defended at a seminar at the end of the course, in which each student also reviews a peer-student Degree project.

Teaching methods

Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures and seminars.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Independent Project, 15 credits (Code: A002)
Submission of an independent project in the form of a written essay, oral defense of the essay and review of a peer-student project at a seminar.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Examination deadline
If the deadline for the examination is exceeded, the examiner will decide how the examination should be conducted and, when applicable, set the timeframe for it.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade for the course may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments should be submitted to the lecturer within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Independent Project
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Specific entry requirements

Media and Communication Studies, Film Studies and/or Media and Communication Studies, 60 credits and Film and Media Theory, 7.5 credits and Film Studies: Theory, Method and Academic Writing, 7.5 credits.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

This course cannot be included in a degree in combination with the course Media and Communication Studies, Advanced Course, Film Studies, 30 Credits.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Instructions Degree Project Advanced course Media and Communication Studies, Film
Örebro: HumES, Örebro university, (latest edition)*

Additions and Comments
Literature is chosen in consultation with the supervisor.
Literature marked with * is distributed through Blackboard.