To consider the variety of ways of thinking philosophically about film. To encourage students to think about film in ways they might not have previously considered. To help students understand the issues and arguments that arise when considering film as an art form. To familiarise students with filmmakers and their methods, and to encourage them to think critically about them. To help students reflect on the differences between film and other art forms, and on the philosophical implications of these differences.

(LO1) Students will be able to assess issues that arise in philosophers’ approaches to film.

(LO2) Students will be able to analyse some of the problems associated with the philosophy of film.

(LO3) Students will be able to explain philosophical difficulties involved in considering the relation of film to other art forms.

(LO4) Students will be able to assess philosophical issues raised by the methods of different filmmakers.

(LO5) Students will be able to evaluate arguments for and against film as art.

(LO6) Students will be able to reflect critically on various topics, such as adaptation, and the implications they might have for film as an art form.

(LO7) Students will be able to engage with philosophers and critics who hold controversial views on the importance of film.

(LO8) Students will be able to engage critically with the films presented on the module.

(S1) Students will further develop their skills in thinking critically, analysing problems and analysing and assessing arguments.

(S2) Students will enhance their ability to identify and reflect critically upon the issues that underlie debates.

(S3) Students will develop further confidence in considering previously unfamiliar ideas and approaches.

(S4) Students will enhance their ability to analyse works of film art.

(S5) Students will develop their confidence in group discussion of philosophical topics.

(S6) Students will improve their writing skills, presenting difficult topics in an engaging and lucid manner.

Seminar 1: What is the Philosophy of Film?
Seminar 2: What is the Philosophy of Film?
Seminar 3: Ingmar Bergman and Philosophy.
Seminar 4: Film as Art.
Seminar 5: The Art Film.
Seminar 6: The Auteur.
Seminar 7: Robert Bresson, Models and Acting.
Seminar 8: Film and Music.
Seminar 9: Adaptation and The Swimmer.
Seminar 10: Adaptation and The Swimmer.
Seminar 11: High Seriousness and Low Culture: Critical Approaches to Film.

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: 11 x 1 hour seminars.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Other
Description: Film presentations.
Attendance Recorded: Yes