film studies Film Studies - AS/A2
Exam Board: WJEC
Do you want to learn about what has become one of the defining arts forms of our generation? Are you interested in exploring World Cinema? How does film fit into our culture? How is Stanley Kubrick’s directing style different from that of Alfred Hitchcock’s? What effect does the choice of camera angles or lighting have on a film?
Is Film Studies for you? • You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language. Film Studies A-Level will teach you how to use cameras and film editing software to perhaps make your own short film, however this is not a vocational course that will train you how to become a film maker. You would like to examine films from a wide variety of genres, directors, countries and times.
You would like to expand your understanding and enjoyment of film. You want to gain an insight into the film industry and the importance of film in modern culture. You want to develop your independent research and analytical skills. You enjoy researching the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople
What will I learn?
Lessons will be delivered using different approaches and will involve discussion, individual assignments and group work. You will carry out your own research, write essays and produce presentations using PowerPoint, write film reviews and articles and try scriptwriting.
AS Year Exploring Film Form You will develop your skills of film analysis which will enable you to have a better understanding of how films are made and how audiences understand them.
British and American Film You will study the Hollywood and British film industries, comparing how films are financed, produced, marketed and shown. Following this you will look at audiences, thinking about where and why people watch films, their cultural significance and how new technology is impacting upon viewing. You will also examine and compare four specific films – two UK horror films and two US Sci-fi films.
How will I be assessed? You will be assessed through a combination of coursework (40%) and examination (60%). Coursework will require you to write an essay analysing key features of a film extract and also develop your own film script.
A2 Year
What activities can I get involved in?
Varieties of Film Experience: Issues and Debates
You will have the opportunity to explore issues or topics studied during department visits.
You will examine world cinema and controversies surrounding censorship and other issues.
Film Research & Creative Projects You will work on two projects - one is research-based and the other is a creative, short film-making project.
The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.
Where does it lead? Many Film Studies students have gone on to study Film, Media or Cultural Studies at University. Those going on to study English or Journalism have found the variety of written tasks useful. The independent research and analytical skills developed during Film Studies will also prove valuable for a wide range of Higher Education courses or careers.
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tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk
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