FM4120 Silent Cinema

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be confirmed.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr A Ramakrishnan Agrwaal

Dr A Ramakrishnan Agrwaal
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Anushrut Ramakrishnan Agrwaal, Dr Tom Rice, Dr Paul Flaig

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The period of silent cinema oversaw the emergence of crucial aspects that would come to characterize cinema as both an industry and an artform. At the same time, silent film was a form somewhat distinct from the sound films that came afterwards, and one whose development proceeded differently in different global contexts. This module will examine this critical period of film history by exploring the era through a variety of contexts. The first week will set out the historical period as well as key debates in film history, as well as introduce students to more recent developments in the field. As a team-taught course, the module will ordinarily be organised in three related clusters. These clusters may include, but will not be limited to: Representations of race and gender in the silent era; silent stars; Audiences and fan cultures; Historicizing Silent Cinema; Global Silent Cinema; Early documentary; Early sound practices; and Intermedial approaches to silent film.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS FM2002

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Take Home Examination (48-hour slot) = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminar plus screening (up to 4 hours).