Film Studies

Who is the course for?

Films are a popular art form, an international industry, an influential ideological force, and a source of considerable pleasure. Studying films gives an insight into psychology, culture, society, politics and economics, as well as being very enjoyable.

IB Film Studies uses a combination of analysis, research, theory and creative work to study examples from British, American and World Cinema, examining their production, form and reception, and relating these to cultural, social and political contexts.

The course would be of interest to anyone who enjoys watching and discussing films and is keen to learn more. IB students wanting to choose a creative subject but not confident about their ability in Music and Art will find that the basic technical knowledge and skills required for practical film-making can be learnt quite quickly & easily.

What will I study on the course?

The course begins with what students are familiar with, mainly recent mainstream Hollywood films, but aims to gradually broaden this knowledge to include older films, British and European films, films from other national cinemas, avant-garde and experimental film.

Similarly, it begins by focusing on textual features of the film itself but gradually broadens the focus to include contextual institutional, cultural and social factors.

Creative practical work is included throughout the course, integrated with traditional academic study as a way of extending and applying knowledge and understanding and developing practical skills, imagination and creativity.

The Higher Level and Standard Level courses share the same structure but Higher Level students will study more films in more depth and do more practical film-making.

What other skills will I acquire?

The course aims to develop broad academic skills in reading, writing and discussion. It involves precise, disciplined analysis, methodical research and the ability to handle abstract theoretical concepts. It encourages creativity, inventiveness and imagination, and offers opportunities for both independent individual initiative and cooperative collaboration.

Year 1
• Study of a selection of films from two genres, focussing on close technical analysis, genre, and representation.
• Brief history of Hollywood as institution, from Studio System to present, with examplar films but focussing mainly on institutional factors, including stardom, ownership, new technologies, globalisation and relationship with non-US national cinemas.
• Study of selected recent British and European films about identity, immigration & racism issues, focussing on institutional contexts and representation.
• Small scale film-making projects related to the above.

Year 2
• Study of a non-European national cinema, mostly recent films, focussing on institutional production and distribution contexts, authorship and representation.
• Study of selected examples of avant-garde and experimental cinema, from early surrealism through to current art gallery, internet and multimedia developments, focussing on formal features, representation, authorship and institution, and audience.
• Study of film audiences, with local and international case-studies, including academic audience theory, institutional perspectives and new technologies, and some small-scale ethnographic research.
• Independent research, written up as script for a documentary.
• Film-making - producing a short film.

What will I need for the course?

The entry requirements for IB in general are six GCSEs at grade C or above in a broad range of subjects, including English, Mathematics and a Science, with Grade A*, A or B in subjects appropriate to Higher Level options. Film Studies is not available in most schools as a GCSE subject, but an ability and interest in English would be a good basis for success in IB Film Studies.

What makes this course special?

IB Film Studies is unusual in the way it combines creative work with analysis and theory, and in the way it deals with both enjoyable, popular material and important ideas. In a typical week, you might find yourself analysing the camerawork and editing in a recent Hollywood blockbuster, filming an alternative ending, discussing the economic and cultural significance of multiplex cinemas, or trawling the internet for material on Italian horror films.

How will I be assessed?

Oral presentation about short film extract (25%)
Script for documentary on independent research topic (25%)
Short film (50%)
These will draw on work done throughout the course but will be formally assessed at the end of the two years.

How long is the course?

IB is a two year programme contributing to the IB Diploma.

What can I do on completion of this course?

This course is an ideal preparation for the study of a wide range of subjects at university including Film, Media, Theatre studies, American Studies and English. It offers a sound initial preparation for careers in film, media, advertising and broadcast journalism. Substantial careers in the media industries normally require at least degree level qualifications and often further vocational training, but the IB Diploma provides a broad general education which will stand students in good stead for any career.

What can I do in addition to this course?

The IB is a self-contained full-time programme.

How do I find out more?

Contact Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ Tel: 01278 441234 Web: www.bridgwater.ac.uk  email: enquiries@bridgwater.ac.uk

Note
Please note that fees for applicants resident in the Channel Islands or overseas may differ. Please contact the College on 01278 441234 for further information.

Course Reference : NIBFILMH/NIBFILMS
Last Updated on : 10/12/2009