Film and Media Studies

This module introduces the main concepts, themes and theories that are deployed in the study of media and communication in contemporary society. The module will provide you with opportunities to learn and apply key concepts that are central to the analysis of media, from modes of production and consumption, to the dynamics of power and control, to the construction of genres and meanings, and use them to explore some of the most pertinent issues in the contemporary digital landscape. These include uses and abuses of new media, concerns about politics and citizenship, the importance of representation and identity, as well as security, surveillance and safety.

In this module you will be introduced to the essentials of digital creative skills. You will gain a solid understanding of the basics of using programs from the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator) and you will develop skills in graphic design and publishing software, as well as knowledge of the industry. The module also introduces and develops various skills required for the production of digital video, such as how to handle a camera, how to assess and capture sound and light, and how to edit footage.

This module will offer an introduction to the procedures for reading film through consideration of filmic devices such as mise-en-scène, editing, sound and narrative and outline critical approaches that frame its analysis by examining areas relating to genre, star study, film authorship, semiotics, ideology, spectatorship, and critical and theoretical work that draws upon psychoanalysis and feminism.

This module provides a historical approach to film by focusing on film form, narrative and contextual concerns by reference to culture and society. The module examines a range of forms and narrative models, such as the classical Hollywood narrative, German Expressionist cinema, Soviet montage cinema, Italian Neo-realism, French New Wave as well as post-classical and postmodernist films in conjunction with the historical study of these styles by reference to economic, social, cultural and political influences.

This module introduces students to the academic study of social media from within a humanities and social scientific framework. Furthermore, it will expand student’s capabilities in using social media and encourage them to recognise how social media can be used in a variety of contexts. The module will consider the various strategies and techniques used in branding and storytelling on social media; explore basic methods of analysis in monitoring social media, consider a number of case studies in which social media have been used, as well as examine the effectiveness and limitations (including legal and ethical issues) of social media and engagement.

This module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of a number of the main approaches used in the study and analysis of media and communications. It examines a number of central topics students will learn how various theories can be applied to interpret these topics. This module will then introduce the main research techniques that are employed in researching media texts, institutions and audiences, both in their contemporary and historical contexts.

This module is designed to support students in their employability journey throughout their undergraduate careers and beyond. It is intended as an opportunity to critically reflect upon experiences of work, including the Work Placement which will take place as part of the module, and build upon these experiences towards planning for graduate professional life. Students will be equipped with a framework to help them use the skills and knowledge they acquire during their studies and their Work Placement experience to attain further employment after graduation, whether it is working for an organisation within the media industries, as an independent freelance creative, or following another career pathway. Work Placements are managed in accordance with the University’s Approved Procedures for Work Based Learning and Placements.

Students can choose either Option Module A or Option Module B

Option Module A: Film Genres

Option Module B: British and European Cinema 

This module introduces students to the academic study of social media from within a humanities and social scientific framework. Furthermore, it will expand student’s capabilities in using social media and encourage them to recognise how social media can be used in a variety of contexts. The module will consider the various strategies and techniques used in branding and storytelling on social media; explore basic methods of analysis in monitoring social media, consider a number of case studies in which social media have been used, as well as examine the effectiveness and limitations (including legal and ethical issues) of social media and engagement.

This module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of a number of the main approaches used in the study and analysis of media and communications. It examines a number of central topics students will learn how various theories can be applied to interpret these topics. This module will then introduce the main research techniques that are employed in researching media texts, institutions and audiences, both in their contemporary and historical contexts.

This module is designed to support students in their employability journey throughout their undergraduate careers and beyond. It is intended as an opportunity to critically reflect upon experiences of work, including the Work Placement which will take place as part of the module, and build upon these experiences towards planning for graduate professional life. Students will be equipped with a framework to help them use the skills and knowledge they acquire during their studies and their Work Placement experience to attain further employment after graduation, whether it is working for an organisation within the media industries, as an independent freelance creative, or following another career pathway. Work Placements are managed in accordance with the University’s Approved Procedures for Work Based Learning and Placements.

Students can choose either Option Module A or Option Module B

Option Module A: Film Genres

Option Module B: British and European Cinema 

The Extended Independent Study in Film and Media Studies will give you opportunities to employ the academic, critical and practical skills that you have acquired through the Film and Media Studies programme in order to pursue your own interests in developing either:

• a traditional academic research project (10,000-word dissertation)    or
• a practical media project (for example a portfolio of journalism, videos, advertising campaign, public awareness campaign, producing a video game) alongside a shorter critical reflection of approximately 4,000 words.

Teaching and support will be provided throughout the year through regular tutorials with a designated supervisor as well as regular group study sessions.

This module will critically examine the media’s role in two of the defining developments of the contemporary era: the global rise of populism and the climate crisis. Underpinning the module will be the changing nature of political and media institutions as they continue to grapple with rapid technological and climatological change. Building on this, the module critically examines the media’s role in framing the political parameters of climate change debates, representing visions of the natural world, and contributing to the climate crisis itself.

Across both Semesters 1 and 2 students can choose EITHER Module A OR Module B

AND

EITHER Option Module C OR Option Module D In Semester 1

AND

EITHER Option Module E OR Option Module F In Semester 2

Module A - National and Global Cinemas
The module will offer an in-depth study of one or two national cinemas, investigating the history, cultural contexts, ideological meanings, critical constructions, and impact of production and consumption in relation to that cinema. The national cinema to be studied will be taken from a range including African Cinemas, Australian Cinema, French Cinema, German Cinema, Japanese Cinema, Scandinavian Cinemas and Chinese and Hong Kong Cinemas (30 credits optional)

Module B - Stardom and Desire

Module C - Documentary and Photojournalism
This module will explore some of the most important traditions in documentary and photojournalism and consider ways in which the ideas and concepts associated with these traditions can be applied in contemporary projects. Students will then be given an opportunity to apply their own writing and/or practical production skills in the development of a small-scale documentary or photojournalism project.

Module D - Video Game Worlds
As more and more users interact with game texts through a ranger of media platforms, this module will explore the growing influence that games have on popular culture and society through a close examination of a range of videogame worlds. In doing so, this module will examine the key developments in media technologies that have underpinned the popularisation of videogaming, such as smartphones, streaming platforms and social media. Through this in-depth exploration of the cultural, social and economic impact and value of online and offline videogame worlds, students will reflect on what videogames as media objects might say about life inside today’s global informatic networks.

Module E - Community Media
This module will introduce students to a range of media and techniques of engagement within communities. Students will experience first-hand the state of local communities and their existing engagement with different types of media. Through this module, students will work alongside community-based volunteers and activists to deepen their appreciation of community integration issues.  They will also be required to draw on their grasp of media practice, and management of media organisations, to engage in fieldwork and write up a report on the usage grassroots media. 

Module F - Festivals (FP)  
This module will focus on the key theoretical principles and practices associated with hosting and participating in film festivals. The module aims to prepare students for the processes needed to distribute, market, and sell their films on the national and international film festival circuit. The module will also equip students with an in-depth knowledge of the workings of film festivals, what is required by applicants to film festivals and how they differ between types. Students will work closely with the Winchester Film Festival throughout the module, including the opportunity to work on the annual event in a variety of roles. Students will use this gained knowledge to organise and participate in an end-of-semester film festival for films made by all students in the third year. Professional and current festival organisers alongside the teaching team will advise and guide students on the organisational, fundraising, promotional and networking skills needed to deliver a successful film festival programme and event.

The Extended Independent Study in Film and Media Studies will give you opportunities to employ the academic, critical and practical skills that you have acquired through the Film and Media Studies programme in order to pursue your own interests in developing either:

• a traditional academic research project (10,000-word dissertation)    or
• a practical media project (for example a portfolio of journalism, videos, advertising campaign, public awareness campaign, producing a video game) alongside a shorter critical reflection of approximately 4,000 words.

Teaching and support will be provided throughout the year through regular tutorials with a designated supervisor as well as regular group study sessions.

This module will critically examine the media’s role in two of the defining developments of the contemporary era: the global rise of populism and the climate crisis. Underpinning the module will be the changing nature of political and media institutions as they continue to grapple with rapid technological and climatological change. Building on this, the module critically examines the media’s role in framing the political parameters of climate change debates, representing visions of the natural world, and contributing to the climate crisis itself.

Across both Semesters 1 and 2 students can choose EITHER Module A OR Module B

AND

EITHER Option Module C OR Option Module D In Semester 1

AND

EITHER Option Module E OR Option Module F In Semester 2

Module A - National and Global Cinemas
The module will offer an in-depth study of one or two national cinemas, investigating the history, cultural contexts, ideological meanings, critical constructions, and impact of production and consumption in relation to that cinema. The national cinema to be studied will be taken from a range including African Cinemas, Australian Cinema, French Cinema, German Cinema, Japanese Cinema, Scandinavian Cinemas and Chinese and Hong Kong Cinemas (30 credits optional)

Module B - Stardom and Desire

Module C - Documentary and Photojournalism
This module will explore some of the most important traditions in documentary and photojournalism and consider ways in which the ideas and concepts associated with these traditions can be applied in contemporary projects. Students will then be given an opportunity to apply their own writing and/or practical production skills in the development of a small-scale documentary or photojournalism project.

Module D - Video Game Worlds
As more and more users interact with game texts through a ranger of media platforms, this module will explore the growing influence that games have on popular culture and society through a close examination of a range of videogame worlds. In doing so, this module will examine the key developments in media technologies that have underpinned the popularisation of videogaming, such as smartphones, streaming platforms and social media. Through this in-depth exploration of the cultural, social and economic impact and value of online and offline videogame worlds, students will reflect on what videogames as media objects might say about life inside today’s global informatic networks.

Module E - Community Media
This module will introduce students to a range of media and techniques of engagement within communities. Students will experience first-hand the state of local communities and their existing engagement with different types of media. Through this module, students will work alongside community-based volunteers and activists to deepen their appreciation of community integration issues.  They will also be required to draw on their grasp of media practice, and management of media organisations, to engage in fieldwork and write up a report on the usage grassroots media. 

Module F - Festivals (FP)  
This module will focus on the key theoretical principles and practices associated with hosting and participating in film festivals. The module aims to prepare students for the processes needed to distribute, market, and sell their films on the national and international film festival circuit. The module will also equip students with an in-depth knowledge of the workings of film festivals, what is required by applicants to film festivals and how they differ between types. Students will work closely with the Winchester Film Festival throughout the module, including the opportunity to work on the annual event in a variety of roles. Students will use this gained knowledge to organise and participate in an end-of-semester film festival for films made by all students in the third year. Professional and current festival organisers alongside the teaching team will advise and guide students on the organisational, fundraising, promotional and networking skills needed to deliver a successful film festival programme and event.