Film Theory and Appreciation

About this course

The course examines significant films from British, American, European and world cinemas, considering their social and historical contexts. It also introduces the work of art-house auteurs, a range of genres, and vocabulary for discussing visual style, narrative complexity and the effects of images. Teaching combines slide presentations with pair work, small-group discussion and individual contributions. Participants analyse selected films and share interpretations rather than completing formal assessment. The course also allows learners to identify personal goals and reflect on their development.

What you'll learn

• Analyse films using vocabulary relating to images, visual impact and narrative complexity
• Compare films from different national cinemas and historical or social contexts
• Discuss the characteristics of different film genres
• Examine the work and significance of art-house auteurs

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners aged 19 or over who want to study film at beginner level. No previous film-study knowledge is required, although the course discusses a wide range of themes and therefore expects a reasonable level of English. Participation includes sharing views in pairs, small groups and individual contributions.

• No previous knowledge of film study is required
• The course involves regular discussion and sharing interpretations with other learners
• A reasonable level of English is expected for engaging with the course themes