Film Studies AS / A2

Film Studies AS and A2

Subject category:
Art, Design, Media and E Media

What will I study?
The Film Studies course aims to deepen your understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film, the major art form of the twentieth century. Students will work with a wide range of films, developing skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection.

Duration:
One year for AS and a further year to complete A2.

Do I need any additional qualifications/ skills?
The Film Studies AS and A2 courses are wide ranging and the emphasis is on the detailed analysis of films. It is not a filmmaking course, but does include opportunities to put theory into practice for the coursework modules. Film theory is a stimulating and intellectually demanding topic, which students should under take if they are interested in cinema. The exam board for this qualification is WJEC.

How will I be assessed?
AS Consists of two modules as follows: FM1 Exploring Film Form (Coursework - Internal Assessment) Candidates complete two main items: an analysis of a film extract (1500 words). Creative project - a digitally photographed storyboard or perhaps a step outline representing five to eight scenes from a film. (40 per cent of AS). FM2 British and American Film (Exam 2 1/2 hours - external assessment). Three questions from sections on: Producers and Audiences - Hollywood and British Cinema. Topics in British Film. US Film. Comparative study (60 per cent of AS) A2 Consists of two modules as follows: FM3: Film Research and Creative Projects (coursework - internal assessment) Small scale research project. Creative project - short film or extract (25 per cent of A2). FM4: Varieties of Film Experience - Issues and Debates (Exam 2 3/4 hours - external assessment). Three questions from sections on: World cinema topics. 00 Spectatorship topics. Single Film Critical Study (25 per cent of A2).

What can I do afterwards?
Provides a pathway to degrees in film, media or any other humanities or arts subject. Enrichment benefits have included in the past, a trip to New York to consider the impact of the city on American Cinema and occasional trips to the cinema to see recent mainstream and world cinema classics.

Are there any additional costs involved?
The cost of the standard text book used is approximately £20. Costs for trip vary depending on the size and scale of trip.

Location:
Park College

Entry Requirements
Our standard requirement of five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), but including GCSE English Language at grade C or above. The key requirement is a keen interest in the world of film and cinema, and a desire to explore this more analytically and in greater depth. This course requires serious study and is not simply watching films for entertainment. Prospective students need to be open minded and genuinely quizzical about the wide variety of film culture that exists outside the multiplex.