Video Essays for Film- and Media Students, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed studies, the student shall show deeper understanding of

• film/video as means for essayistic, analytical, and theoretical thinking, and
• video essays in film studies, essay film, and film as theory/philosophy.

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

• produce a film studies video essay in which the student demonstrates an ability to carry out critical, analytical and theoretical investigations in and through the video essay format,
• use the expanded formal possibilities afforded by the video format, so that analysis and theoretical argumentation go beyond what can be done with text alone,
• understand and reflect on advanced thinking and theorizing that takes place in and through moving image with sound,
• formulate an academic research problem in the context of film studies (and/or relevant related subjects) and conduct a videographic investigation of the problem using appropriate methods,
• actively contribute to seminar discussions, analyze course material (films and literature), and peer review work by fellow students, and
• constructively present and respond to criticism.

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

• evaluate and relate to the differences between expressing oneself scientifically in and through text alone and in and through moving images with text and sound,
• evaluate and relate rigorously to the state of knowledge around a problem area in the field of film studies (and/or a relevant related subject),
• evaluate the suitability of theories and methods for a specific videographic investigation, take responsibility for the ethical sustainability of one’s own knowledge production, and
• recognize and maintain a good tone and a scientific approach in communication with teachers and fellow students.

Content

In this course we make and explore scholarly video essays. The course synthesizes practical and theoretical elements of Film, Art, and Media studies. We cover essay film, film as theory/philosophy, and videographic film studies, while students work on independent scholarly video essay projects, supported by supervising and peer review by fellow students. The video essays can be likened to shorter academic essays or theses “written” in and through the video format, and critical, analytical, and theoretical aspects are central along with formal expressice matters. Students may choose to expand or build on previous bachelor’s theses or master theses, or work on a scholarly video essay project independent of previous such work. Regardless, the project includes seeking out and, in consultation with the supervisor, processing new academic literature relevant to the individual video essay project.

Examinations and grades

Essay Film, 2.5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Videographic Film Science and Video Essays, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Montage as Means for Analysis and Theory, 1.5 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Videographically Independent Work, 8.5 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

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 determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

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

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

Comments on grades

To pass the whole course, at least the grade E is required for each examination.
The letter grades A–E will be converted to numbers 5–1 and combined to an average grade, where the number of credits for each examination also are taken into account. A weighted average grade of the course modules will thus be reported for the whole course.
Grade A is reported if the grade average is at least 4.5.
Grade B is reported if the grade average is at least 3.5 but less than 4.5.
Grade C is reported if the grade average is at least 2.5 but less than 3.5.
Grade D is reported if the grade average is at least 1.5 but less than 2.5.
Grade E is reported if the grade average is less than 1.5.

Modes of assessment

Essay film, 2.5 credits (Code: A001)
Seminar presentations and written assignments.

Videographic Film Science and Video Essays, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Seminar presentations and written assignments.

Montage as Means for Analysis and Theory, 1.5 credits (Code: A003)
Seminar presentations and written assignments.

Videographically Independent Work, 8.5 credits (Code: A004)
Independent scholarly Video Essay.

Comments on examination methods
Examination deadline
An examination shall be carried out at the time decided by the university. If an examination, which involves that the student can do the assignment in another place than in the university's premises (for example take-home examination), can not be submitted on time, the examiner decides how the examination shall be handled.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade on the examination may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments must be carried out according to the teacher’s instructions and submitted to the teacher within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

120 credits film studies, cultural studies, media and communication studies or media studies, of which at least 60 credits are for specialized studies in film studies.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

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.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Alter, Nora M. (2018)
The Essay Film After Fact and Fiction
New York: Columbia University Press

E-texts (book chapters/articles), ca 200-400 pages

Additions and Comments
Other literature related to individual video essay projects chosen by the students in consultation with the course teacher, ca 500-1000 pages.