Masters of cinema: Steve McQueen

About this course

The course traces Steve McQueen’s career from gallery-based film, including Bear, through features such as Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave, Widows and Occupied City, as well as the Small Axe series. It considers how his visual style connects with historical, political and cultural questions, including nationhood, postcolonialism, race, gender and identity. Teaching combines tutor-led discussion, small- and large-group activities, and screenings of short film extracts. Films are considered through aesthetic and textual analysis alongside their wider contexts.

What you'll learn

• Analyse the formal qualities of McQueen’s artist films
• Place his short and feature films within their historical, political and cultural contexts
• Connect aesthetic and textual analysis with wider cultural and political questions
• Examine representations of race, gender, identity and culture in relation to McQueen’s work

Is this course right for you?

This introductory course is intended for learners without prior expertise in film history or film analysis. Participation includes tutor-led learning and discussions in both small and large groups, with films explored through screened extracts and contextual analysis.

• No prior expertise in film history or film analysis is presupposed
• The course includes discussion in both small and large groups
• Film extracts are screened extensively during the class

Before you go

• Learners should bring a notepad and paper, or a digital equivalent
• Relevant reading will be made available through Google Classroom
• Presentation materials will be uploaded to Google Classroom after class
• Where possible, links to films and other online sources will be provided