ML1GEC: Greats of European Cinema

Module code: ML1GEC

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Marta Simo-Comas, email: m.simo-comas@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Since its origins in the late nineteenth century, cinema has held a central place in the cultures of France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The aim of this module is to introduce students to some of the main developments and key achievements of European cinema by studying a selection of major films from these countries. This approach enhances students' understanding of the broader cultural contexts in which these films were produced. The course aims to acquaint students with key concepts of film analysis and develop their ability to apply these concepts through class discussions and critical commentaries on selected stills and sequences. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Recognise the cultural and aesthetic significance of the films studied. 
2. Analyse the cinematic techniques of the films studied using appropriate terminology. 
3. Produce critical and coherent arguments in both spoken and written form. 
4. Apply theoretical frameworks to the comparative analysis of different directors' use of cinematic techniques. 

Module content

• Introduction to some of the major developments in French, German, Italian, and Spanish cinema 
• Introduction to the basic language and theory of film 
• Application of technical, aesthetic, and theoretical concepts to stills, sequences, or the entirety of the films studied 
• Critical analysis of a selection of landmark films by key European film directors, such as François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard (France); Fritz Lang and Tom Tykwer (Germany); Vittorio De Sica and Mario Monicelli (Italy); Guillermo del Toro and Pedro Almodóvar (Spain) 
• Contextualisation of the films studied within the broader panorama of the development of European cinema 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The course will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Students will be required to do preparatory tasks for each seminar, participate in class discussion and undertake small-group work. 

Study hours

At least 30 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Opportunities for practice and discussion in class. 

Reassessment

Additional costs