Both the melodrama and the film noir have attracted considerable critical attention and have been instrumental in the development of film theory. The course considers formal, ideological, political and historical aspects of melodramas and noirs from around the world focusing on aspects of gender, space and aesthetics.

10 x 1hr lecture,

10 x 1hr seminar,

10 x 2hr screening over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

None

None

2,500 word essay (50%)

2,500 word essay (50%)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to:

■ deepen understanding of how genres are created through critical work and historical context;

■ develop an understanding of how generic approaches have been used in film theory;

■ to develop further skills in textual analysis

By the end of this course student will be able to:

■ demonstrate an understanding of how critical context can shape film genres;

■ analyse the aesthetic, narrative and thematic organisation of particular films within a chosen genre

■ compare and account for the key aspects of the two genres;

■ demonstrate how these genres might provide a framework for contemporary film and/or television

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.