FIL-20005 - Science Fiction Cinema: Utopias and Dystopias
Coordinator: Neil Archer Tel: +44 1782 7 33202
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module aims to provide a critical introduction to many of the key theoretical ideas and historical contexts informing the development of science fiction cinema. Focusing on a number of significant films from the history of cinema, the module will look to define what constitutes science fiction as a film genre. In particular, we will consider science fiction cinema's function as a mode for exploring ideas and hypotheses, both about the future and - by reflection - about our present. We will also engage with debates about the status of science-fiction cinema in relation to science-fiction literature analysing their differences, and looking at the particular relationships viewers and readers have to science-fictional texts.

Aims
To develop an extensive knowledge of science fiction cinema as a specific area of film and cultural production, and to develop critical and analytical skills for assessing this cinema in its historical and cultural contexts; to be able to contribute to debates about the place and role of science fiction as a cultural form, and the distinctions between science fiction cinema and literature; to be able to compose detailed critical analyses of science-fiction texts, and produce reasoned written argument based on wide critical reading.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/fil-20005/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Situate film and theoretical texts in specific historical and cultural contexts: 1,2
Discuss and analyse texts in a comparative framework: 1,2
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between cultural production and transformations in society, technology, politics and philosophy: 1,2
Identify key features of film language and form, and assess how these contribute to the meaning of films for audiences: 1,2
Reflect on their own viewing experiences and interests in an engaged and critical fashion: 1,2
Distinguish between the form and cultural significance of science fiction film and science fiction literature: 1,2

Study hours

12x1 hour lecture, 12x1 hour seminar, 5x2 hour screening, 2 hour individual consultation/feedback
24 hours preparation for seminars
30 hours preparation of first assessment
60 hours preparation for second assessment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Critique weighted 40%
750 word critical review of chosen case study
Students produce a 750-word critical review, responding to a question chosen by the tutor, on a film of their own choosing, outside the list of those screened on the module

2: Essay weighted 60%
1250 word essay
One essay to be chosen from a selection of questions, based on the themes and theories discussed on the module, and referring to two of the analysed films