FILM ANALYSIS

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to film analysis. Students will examine the ways in which meaning is constructed in cinema by looking at the various techniques employed by filmmakers and the manner in which these elements operate as a formal system. The course will stress the importance of close textual analysis of individual scenes, while also emphasizing the need to look at films as a whole. A range of films will be viewed in class, although for the sake of coherence the majority will be Hollywood productions from the 1940s and 1950s, in particular the cinema of Alfred Hitchcock.

FILM ANALYSIS

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Apply critical skills in the analysis of films
2. 02 Evaluate the techniques used by filmmakers to create meaning in cinema.
3. 03 Critically reflect on the relationship between films and a variety of aesthetic contexts
4. 04 Implement independent research based on appropriate research questions, using and evaluating a range of material in order to arrive at conclusions
5. 05 Express this knowledge in a scholarly manner using academic and non-academic sources

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 David Bordwell and Kirstin Thompson, Film Art: An Introduction (New York: McGraw Hill, 8th Edition, 2008)

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Apply critical skills in the analysis of films. SOLO 4
2. L02 Evaluate the techniques used by filmmakers to create meaning in cinema. SOLO 5
3. L03 Implement independent research based on appropriate research questions, using and evaluating a range of material in order to arrive at conclusions. SOLO 4
4. L04 Express this knowledge in a scholarly manner using academic and non-academic sources SOLO 3

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Demonstrate an understanding of the core subfields of psychology — including but not limited to clinical, developmental, cognitive, social, and biological/neuroscientific psychology — and their interconnections with other scientific disciplines, critically evaluating the value of a multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry in psychology.
2. P02 Apply scientific methods, research techniques, measurement and psychometric principles (e.g., reliability, validity, scale development/adaptation), and quantitative/statistical reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena, recognizing methodological strengths, limitations, common reasoning fallacies, and the flaws of pseudoscience.
3. P03 Employ logical, intuitive, and creative thinking to analyze psychological concepts, evaluate theories (including their historical and philosophical development), synthesize information, and solve complex problems related to cognition and behavior.
4. P04 Integrate psychological theories and findings into practical settings (e.g., business, policy, clinical/counseling contexts, and daily life), applying foundational applied skills such as interviewing, observation, and case formulation, drawing meaningful conclusions to inform individual, organizational, and societal practices.
5. P05 Describe key ethical principles in psychological research and practice, critically applying these principles to dilemmas across academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
6. P06 Recognize how individual differences (e.g., beliefs, values, backgrounds) impact behavior and relationships; use psychological knowledge to prevent or resolve intercultural and interpersonal conflicts and promote inclusive, respectful interactions.
7. P07 Exhibit self-regulation and self-awareness, demonstrating a commitment to psychological well-being, effective time management, constructive incorporation of feedback, and ongoing personal and professional development.
8. P08 Collaborate effectively in diverse teams, demonstrating responsibility, bias awareness, conflict resolution skills, and leadership in achieving collective goals.
9. P09 Communicate psychological knowledge clearly and appropriately for academic, professional, and public audiences using inclusive language, both in written and oral formats, and by accurately summarizing and presenting research findings.
10. P10 Use information and communication technologies (including AI and digital media) responsibly and effectively for research, collaboration, and the dissemination of psychological knowledge.
11. P11 Embrace lifelong learning and adaptability in response to evolving psychological knowledge and societal needs, engaging with global perspectives and demonstrating intercultural awareness.

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