Film, TV and Visual Culture: History and Theory

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The aim of this course is to strengthen students' knowledge of the aesthetics of visual texts, and to develop the ability to use central theories and analytical perspectives on texts such as classic and newer Hollywood films, European films, alternative or non-Western films, art films. and documentaries, contemporary television series, and computer games. An emphasis is placed on linking the aesthetics of the texts to the institutional, technological and production framework conditions, and on placing the texts in a wider cultural-historical context. The course may also focus on particular genres, practices, and themes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has knowledge of the history and aesthetics of visual texts
  • has knowledge of selected visual media and genres, such as documentaries, TV series or computer games.

Skills

The student

  • can make a critical assessment of academic literature and sources to shed light on issues of media aesthetic
  • can reflect on the connection between the aesthetics of visual texts and their institutional, technological and production framework conditions
  • can engage in critical discussions through oral presentations and written presentations

General competence

The student

  • can apply central theoretical knowledge in the analysis of visual texts, and present this in an independent written work
  • can use libraries, databases and other sources of information to find relevant information in connection with a project, and to stay updated on relevant literature.

ECTS Credits

15 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring
Required Previous Knowledge
None
Recommended Previous Knowledge
The course build on MEVI101 - MEVI104, especially MEVI103
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
  • MEVI213 (5 ECTS)
  • MEVI223B (15 ECTS)
  • Access to the Course
    The course is open for students at the University of Bergen
    Teaching and learning methods
    Lectures and workshops with film screenings.
    Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
    Approved workshop assignments (two out of two). The workshop assignments can be written and/or oral, and can accommodate practical exercises in media production or dissemination. There is no time limit for approved work requirements.
    Forms of Assessment

    4-day home exam, approximately 4500 words +/- 10%, excluding table of content and reference list. 

    The exam will be given in the language in which the course is taught.

    The exam can be submitted in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.

    Grading Scale
    Graded A-F
    Assessment Semester

    Assessment in teaching semester and the following semester.

    In this course, a regular exam is offered in both semesters. Students who meet the requirements for a retake exam (according to UiB Regulations § 5-6) are therefore referred to the next regular exam.

    Reading List
    The reading list will be ready before 1 July for the autumn semester and 1 Decemeber for the spring semester. 
    Course Evaluation
    All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.   
    Course Administrator
    The Department of Information Science and Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course