FT2FFC: Film Forms and Cultures

Module code: FT2FFC

Module provider: Film, Theatre and TV; School of Arts and Comm Design

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr David Foster , email: d.foster@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Adam O'Brien, email: adam.obrien@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 16 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module aims: to develop students’ awareness of the variety of film forms, and of form as a critical and conceptual issue; to introduce theoretical perspectives on questions of form and meaning; to introduce debates about the politics of form; to develop students’ analytical and critical skills and knowledge; to enrich students’ knowledge of film cultures. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Discuss and analyse a variety of film forms using appropriate critical language
2. Develop critical arguments based on formal analysis
3. Theorise relationships between form, meaning and cultural context
4. Situate their critical thinking in relation to relevant scholarship

Module content

The module is structured in two parts: Art Cinema and Experiments in Documentary. Both parts are structured as surveys of the topic or the history of a particular form, taking a different film as the main text each week.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures will introduce the students to new historical contexts, theoretical concepts and critical approaches that will be tested out in seminars in the exploration of film texts. The screenings are an integral part of the module. Peer Study groups will offer students additional support. 

Study hours

At least 9 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.