Film Theory for Teachers

Dates: January to June 2009

Cost: £650

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Who is the course for?

The course is for teachers of film in a specialised context to students aged 14 and upward.

What level of course is it and how is it accredited?

The course is a Masters Level module, worth 30 credits (or one-sixth) of the MA in Culture, Media and Communication at the London University, Institute of Education.

What does the course cover?

The course is organised around four subject 'clusters' each comprising reading extracts from key theoretical works from Film Studies, together with activities designed to enable close reading of the texts, and mastery of the ideas in them. The subject clusters are Narrative Theory, Audience Studies/ Spectatorship, Semiotics and Representation, and Genre (Horror). Participants choose one of these clusters to focus on in detail.

In addition there is a core unit on working with film theory in the classroom. It is run largely by distance learning with students writing essays and journals based on the reading. Reading materials are sent out in advance and comments made on your work will come back by email. There are also two workshops held in London, the dates are Tuesday 13 January and second runs across two days, Thursday 26 - Friday 27 February 2009. All take place from 10am - 5pm and are held in London at BFI Southbank (Waterloo).

How long is the course?

The course starts on Monday 12 January 2009 and the Final Coursework submission date is Monday 1 June 2009.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is a mode of course delivery, which is particularly appropriate to personal professional development. The student maintains the advantage of not having to give up their work, while being engaged in a parallel learning activity, which is continually informing and being informed by that everyday experience.

However, to avoid distance learning becoming an isolating and lonely experience, there is a one-day seminar at the beginning of the course in January and a two-day seminar is held in February in London. In addition, it will be a requirement of the course that students are linked electronically to a Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard) to enable discussion of issues and ideas with each other which relate to both course content and management, and to receive support, clarification and feedback from the course tutors.

Virtual Learning Environment groups will be set up and so students must have an e-mail address and access to both a computer and a modem, either through their institution or at home.

How is the course structured?

The four theory clusters are presented in the course materials at the start of the course, and participants choose to focus on one. The work on this is collaborative, culminating in a group presentation, for assessment, at the face-to-face seminar on Thursday 27 - Friday 29 February (days run from 10am-5pm). This comprises Unit 1 of the module.

There is a choice of assignment for the second unit. Students can offer a Scheme of Work plus a 2,000-word commentary; a 3,000-word essay on one of the theory bundle areas, or a 3,000-word essay based on a piece of audience research.

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed by a mandatory oral presentation for 50% of the total mark and by a final written assignment (50%). Together these two pieces of work will be assessed as the final assignment. The final assessment deadline is Monday 1 June 2009.

What course materials are provided?

The course pack comprises a Course Book with activities and commentaries and the Course Reading which contains reading extracts plus a dedicated website.

What can I do when I finish the course?

The module is part of the London University, Institute of Education, MA in Media, Culture and Communication. There are other distance learning modules available as part of the MA. For more information on these and other aspects of the whole MA please visit the Institute of Education website.

How can I apply?

Once we have received your Application Form (PDF), we will take up references and in exceptional circumstances, interview an applicant over the phone. Please also complete the Institute of Education Registration Form (PDF) and return it to us as hard copy with a passport size photograph of yourself for the University. The application will need to be accepted by the BFI and meet the Institute of Education's admission criteria (a second-class honours degree; see Institute of Education website for further details).

Following the offer of and acceptance of a place, the fee for the course will be requested. Course materials will be sent out on Tuesday 6 January 2009.

How much does it cost?

The course fee is £650. For participants financing themselves, this can be paid in two instalments

Who tutors the course?

The course tutors are Dr. Diane Carr, Research Fellow in Media and Education Centre for the Study of Children, Youth and Media, Institute of Education and Dr. Shakuntala Banaji, Researcher, Centre for the Study of Children, Youth and Media, Institute of Education.

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