Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PHILOSOPHY OF FILM
Code PHIL757
Coordinator Dr JD Adams
Philosophy
Jadam@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

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.

Learning Outcomes

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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


Syllabus

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 and Learning Strategies

Seminar - 11 x 1 hour seminars.

Other - Film presentations.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   11
11 x 1 hour seminars.
      22
Film presentations.
33
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 117
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  3,000 word essay  Essay to be submitted by 2.00p  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: