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FMC113

History Of Film And Cinema

This course, History of Film and Cinema, is designed for undergraduate students in Film Production. It explores the historical development of filmmaking, from its origins to contemporary trends. Students will learn about the evolution of film technology, significant figures in film history, and the growth of cinema across different regions, including Africa and Nigeria. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical context that shapes modern film production.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
60 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

FMC113 · UNIT 1 THE CONCEPTS OF HISTORY AND FILM

This is a practically driven course. Much of the effort to excel in this course lies in the hands of the students. Great success will be achieved if the student takes the assigned assignments seriously and turn in exercises promptly. But there is no doubting the fact that the students will enjoy the course.

What you should be able to do

  1. Explain the historical development of film.
  2. Discuss the contributions of key figures in film history.
  3. Analyze the evolution of cinema in different regions.
  4. Evaluate the impact of technology on film production.
  5. Compare and contrast different film movements.
  6. Apply historical knowledge to contemporary film analysis.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Film Critic
  • Film Historian
  • Archivist
  • Film Curator
  • Film Programmer
Where it is applied
  • Film Production
  • Film Archiving
  • Film Education
  • Film Criticism
  • Cultural Studies

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: Unpacking Concepts of Film, History and Optical Illusion

    Unit 2: Origin of Films – Optical Illusion/Principles

    Understanding the abstract principles of persistence of vision and phi phenomenon requires strong visualization skills.

  • Module 2: History of World Cinema

    Unit 3: History of African Cinema

    Analyzing the socio-political context of African cinema requires understanding of colonial history and post-colonial theories.

  • Module 2: History of World Cinema

    Unit 4: History of Nigerian Cinema

    Tracing the evolution and impact of Nollywood requires familiarity with Nigerian cultural and economic factors.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 37 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Unpacking Concepts of Film, History and Optical Illusion
    • Unit 1: The Concepts of History and Film · 2 hours

      Read about the evolution of film as an art form.. Understand the technologies used by early inventors.. Define key concepts: history and film..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Unpacking Concepts of Film, History and Optical Illusion
    • Unit 2: Origin of Films – Optical Illusion/Principles · 2 hours

      Explore the principles of persistence of vision and phi phenomenon.. Understand how these principles contribute to the illusion of motion in film.. Discuss the application of optical principles in film..

  3. Week 3Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 1: Prehistory of Cinema · 2 hours

      Discuss the role of photography in the invention of cinema.. Understand the contributions of early inventors.. Explore different kinds of early motion picture cameras..

  4. Week 4Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 2: Hollywood Cinema · 2 hours

      Explain the connection between Hollywood as a place and the American film industry.. Discuss the emergence of Nickelodeons.. Explore the silent film era..

  5. Week 5Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 3: History of African Cinema · 2 hours

      Discuss the circumstances under which film came to Africa.. Understand the representation of Africans in early Western films.. Explore the mission of Bantu Educational Kinema Experiment (BEKE)..

  6. Week 6Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 4: History of Nigerian Cinema · 2 hours

      Discuss the beginnings of film in Nigeria.. Understand the role of the British government in film development.. Explore the pioneers of film in Nigeria..

  7. Week 7Module 1: Unpacking Concepts of Film, History and Optical Illusion
    • Unit 1: Review of Module 1 · 3 hours

      Review Module 1 Units 1-2. Complete TMA questions for Module 1.

  8. Week 8Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 2: Review of Module 2 · 3 hours

      Review Module 2 Units 1-2. Complete TMA questions for Module 2.

  9. Week 9Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 3: Review of Module 2 · 3 hours

      Review Module 2 Units 3-4. Complete TMA questions for Module 2.

  10. Week 10Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 4: Assignment Preparation · 4 hours

      Prepare for assignments. Revise all course materials.

  11. Week 11Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 5: Examination Preparation · 4 hours

      Prepare for examination. Revise all course materials.

  12. Week 12Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 6: Final Revision · 4 hours

      Final revision of all modules and units. Focus on key concepts and definitions.

  13. Week 13Module 2: History of World Cinema
    • Unit 7: Final Preparations · 4 hours

      Complete all outstanding assignments. Review all TMAs and feedback.

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create timelines of key events in film history from Units 1-4.
  • Compare and contrast Hollywood, African, and Nigerian cinema.
  • Focus on the contributions of key figures like Edison, Lumiere, and Sembene.
  • Review optical principles and their application in early cinema.
  • Practice essay questions on the evolution of Nollywood and its impact.

Questions students ask about this course

What is FMC113 about?

This course, History of Film and Cinema, is designed for undergraduate students in Film Production. It explores the historical development of filmmaking, from its origins to contemporary trends. Students will learn about the evolution of film technology, significant figures in film history, and the growth of cinema across different regions, including Africa and Nigeria. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical context that shapes modern film production.

How many units does FMC113 have?

FMC113, History Of Film And Cinema, has 6 units across 2 modules, over 59 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is FMC113?

FMC113 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.

Is FMC113 hard?

FMC113 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does FMC113 take to study?

About 60 hours of study, spread across its 6 units.

How is FMC113 assessed?

FMC113 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with FMC113?

Film Critic, Film Historian, Archivist, Film Curator and Film Programmer.

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