Film Studies: Theory, Method and Academic Writing, 7.5 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

• specialised knowledge of a particular area of research related to film studies (primarily) or media and communication studies, and
• an increased understanding of research design and how theoretical perspectives and methodological choices impact scientific results.

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

• write an independent research overview of a delimited research field,
• communicate the restults of the research overview in a reflective manner, and
• analyse examples of finished degree project and give responce to other students research overviews.

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

• evaluate the suitability of different theories and methods for examining a specific problem,
• evaluate the state of knowledge and argue for the need of new research within a delimited area of research within the fields of film studies (primarily) and/or media studies, and
• recognize and maintain good tone and a scientific perspective in the communication with teachers and fellow students.

Main content of the course

The course offers further training in developing and formulating research problems, in research design and implementation. The course clarifies what characterizes a functioning research problem, aim/purpose, theory, and method, and how they relate to each other. The course functions as preparation for the Degree Project Course.

Teaching methods

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

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

Theory, Method and Academic Writing, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Three written assignments of which two are to be orally presented at seminars.

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).

Theory, Method and Academic Writing
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.

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

Corrigan, Timothy, White, Patricia & Mazaj, Meta (red.) (latest edition)
Critical Visions in Film Theory: Classic and Contemporary Readings
Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, (selected parts)

Additions and Comments
Mandatory litterature of approximately 350 pages will be added.