Film History by the Decade: The Studio System and Beyond

About this course

The course traces cinema from silent film and the emergence of narrative conventions through the Hollywood studio system, post-war national cinemas, New Waves, New Hollywood, independent film and the digital era. Each period is considered through major movements, production systems, technologies and changes in distribution, including sound, Technicolor, widescreen, home video, CGI and streaming. Teaching combines tutor introductions, screenings of extracts, reading materials, small- and large-group discussion, and analysis of longer film sequences. An edited film remix or mashup is also used to prompt examination of film style and technique.

What you'll learn

• Identify distinguishing features of different decades in film history
• Compare the output of major film studios
• Critically evaluate the contribution of filmmakers and films to cinema's development
• Assess the importance of the Hollywood studio system in relation to other national production systems

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels and does not require particular skills or previous knowledge. It provides an introduction to film history while also offering material for those extending existing knowledge of film theory and technique. Participation includes discussing films in both small and large groups.

• Suitable for learners without previous film studies knowledge
• Includes discussion of films and film technique
• Some longer film sequences are analysed in class

Before you go

• Film extracts are supplied, so learners do not need to obtain them themselves.