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FMC312

Film Analysis and Criticism

This course introduces students to the art and science of film analysis and criticism. It provides an understanding of the process and elements of film production, film genres, and the socio-cultural function of film. Students will learn various approaches to film analysis, enabling them to critically evaluate films. The course aims to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze and critique films effectively.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
91 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
Yes
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of FMC312, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

FMC312 · UNIT 2: FILM AND SOCIETY

A film can reach a large audience, inform and inspire change by engaging audiences and reflecting on society. People are united by a common sense of humanity and shared duty in a social film drama, giving it tremendous power to help inspire positive change. Here, we refer to the socialization function of film.

What you should be able to do

  1. Explain the concept of film and its historical perspective
  2. Discuss the different genres of films
  3. Evaluate the societal relevance of film
  4. Discuss the concept of film analysis and criticism
  5. Explicate the major steps in film analysis and criticism
  6. Explain the approaches to film analysis and criticism
  7. Discuss the major elements of film production in film analysis and criticism

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Film Critic
  • Film Analyst
  • Media Consultant
  • Content Creator
  • Film Curator
Where it is applied
  • Film Production
  • Media and Entertainment
  • Journalism
  • Education
  • Cultural Studies

Where it gets hard

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

  • Module 3: Types and Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism

    Unit 2: Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism

    Requires understanding of complex semiotic concepts and their application to film scenes, demanding strong analytical and interpretive skills.

  • Module 3: Types and Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism

    Unit 3: Cinematic Elements in Film Analysis and Criticism

    Requires a deep understanding of how cinematography, sound, and editing work together to create meaning, demanding a strong attention to detail.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 34 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Film
    • Unit 1: Concept and Genres of Films · 2 hours

      Read Unit 1: Concept of Film, definitions, and its components. Understand the history of film making.. Identify the different genres of films..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Film
    • Unit 2: Film and Society · 2 hours

      Study the socio-cultural functions of film in society.. Study the socio-political functions of film in society.. Understand film classification in Nigeria, USA, UK and India..

  3. Week 3Module 2: Components of Film Analysis and Criticism
    • Unit 1: Concept of Film Analysis and Criticism · 2 hours

      Define and discuss the concept of film analysis and criticism.. Study the history of film analysis and criticism in the Western and Nigerian context..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Components of Film Analysis and Criticism
    • Unit 2: Steps in Film Analysis and Criticism · 2 hours

      Discuss the values of film analysis and criticism.. Understand the misconceptions about film analysis.. Learn the major steps in film analysis and criticism..

  5. Week 5Module 3: Types and Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism
    • Unit 1: Types of Film Criticism · 2 hours

      Explain the elements of journalistic film analysis and criticism.. Discuss the concept of academic film analysis and criticism..

  6. Week 6Module 3: Types and Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism
    • Unit 2: Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism · 2 hours

      Explain the concept of semiotics analysis in film.. Recognise and discuss the narrative structure of a film..

  7. Week 7Module 3: Types and Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism
    • Unit 3: Cinematic Elements in Film Analysis and Criticism · 2 hours

      Analyse the components and design elements of mise-en-scene in film.. Discuss cultural and historical perspectives in film analysis..

  8. Week 8Module 1: Introduction to Film
    • Unit 1: Concept and Genres of Films · 2 hours

      Revise Module 1: Introduction to Film. Attempt all self-assessment exercises in Module 1..

    • Unit 2: Film and Society · 2 hours

      Revise Unit 2: Film and Society. Attempt all self-assessment exercises in Unit 2..

  9. Week 9Module 2: Components of Film Analysis and Criticism
    • Unit 1: Concept of Film Analysis and Criticism · 2 hours

      Revise Module 2: Components of Film Analysis and Criticism. Attempt all self-assessment exercises in Module 2..

    • Unit 2: Steps in Film Analysis and Criticism · 2 hours

      Revise Unit 2: Steps in Film Analysis and Criticism. Attempt all self-assessment exercises in Unit 2..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Types and Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism
    • Unit 1: Types of Film Criticism · 2 hours

      Revise Module 3: Types and Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism. Attempt all self-assessment exercises in Module 3..

    • Unit 2: Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism · 2 hours

      Revise Unit 2: Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism. Attempt all self-assessment exercises in Unit 2..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Types and Approaches to Film Analysis and Criticism
    • Unit 3: Cinematic Elements in Film Analysis and Criticism · 2 hours

      Revise Unit 3: Cinematic Elements in Film Analysis and Criticism. Attempt all self-assessment exercises in Unit 3..

  12. Week 12Assignments
    • Assignment 1 · 3 hours

      Complete Tutor Marked Assignment 1. Submit Tutor Marked Assignment 1 to your facilitator.

  13. Week 13Assignments
    • Assignment 2 · 3 hours

      Complete Tutor Marked Assignment 2. Submit Tutor Marked Assignment 2 to your facilitator.

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Review all module and unit learning outcomes to ensure comprehensive understanding
  • Create detailed notes and summaries for each unit, focusing on key concepts and definitions
  • Practice film analysis by selecting various films and applying the learned techniques
  • Form study groups to discuss and analyze films together, sharing insights and perspectives
  • Pay close attention to examples and case studies provided in the course material
  • Focus on understanding the different approaches to film analysis and their practical applications
  • Practice identifying and analyzing cinematic elements such as cinematography, sound, and editing
  • Manage your time effectively by allocating specific study hours for each unit and assessment
  • Review past assignments and tutor-marked assessments to identify areas for improvement
  • Consult recommended textbooks and references for additional information and clarification
  • Watch recommended films and analyze them using the techniques learned in the course
  • Create concept maps linking different units and modules to understand the overall course structure
  • Attend online facilitation sessions or physical class facilitation sessions to clarify doubts and ask questions
  • Develop a strong understanding of film terminology and use it effectively in your analysis

Questions students ask about this course

What is FMC312 about?

This course introduces students to the art and science of film analysis and criticism. It provides an understanding of the process and elements of film production, film genres, and the socio-cultural function of film. Students will learn various approaches to film analysis, enabling them to critically evaluate films. The course aims to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze and critique films effectively.

How many units does FMC312 have?

FMC312, Film Analysis and Criticism, has 6 units across 3 modules, over 155 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is FMC312?

FMC312 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Social Sciences.

Is FMC312 hard?

FMC312 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work, and it has a practical component.

How long does FMC312 take to study?

About 91 hours of study, spread across its 6 units.

How is FMC312 assessed?

FMC312 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with FMC312?

Film Critic, Film Analyst, Media Consultant, Content Creator and Film Curator.

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