Film Studies
Women behind the Lens
An all-levels film studies course examining films directed by women through screenings, critical analysis and group discussion.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course examines a varied selection of films directed by women from around the world, considering their genres, cinematic techniques and thematic concerns. Each screening is used as a starting point for analysing the film, its director’s work and wider histories of women’s filmmaking. Discussions also place the films within contexts including sexuality, social identity, environmental consciousness, colonial history and cultural memory. Optional extracts from feminist film theory may be used to extend the analysis. The course begins with an introduction, followed by film screenings and large-group discussion.
What you'll learn
- Analyse films in detail using relevant critical approaches
- Identify key technical terms used in film analysis
- Discuss a range of films directed by women
- Explain aspects of feminist film theory and women’s film history
- Relate films to wider cultural and historical contexts
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for learners at all levels and does not require particular skills. Its format combines watching films with large-group discussion, so participants should be prepared to contribute to conversations about the films. Optional reading may extend the work beyond the screenings.
- No particular skills are required
- Designed for learners at all levels
- Includes discussion in a large-group setting
- Optional reading is available alongside the course
Before you go
- Bring a notepad and pen, or a digital note-taking device.
- There may be optional reading consisting of short extracts from feminist film theory.