AS Film Studies

AS Film Studies
Level: AS/A2

Awarding Body: WJEC

Course Content:
Please note this is not a practical production course.

The study of cinema and film is based on the key conceptual ideas which have informed film study and film criticism. Students will focus on the ways that cinema produces social knowledge and entertainment, and on the very specific ways in which film images and sounds generate meanings. During the course you can expect to investigate:

British and American Cinema
Hollywood and UK Cinema: Producers and Audiences
Film Theory, development of critical languages
Film Analysis, critical approaches to Film Studies

AS LEVEL
Unit 1: FM1 Coursework - Exploring Film Form
· One analysis of how the micro aspects of a chosen extract from a film of candidate's choice produce meanings and responses (1500 words)
· One creative project based on a film sequence or short film
Unit 2: FM2 Examination - British and American Film
Section A: Response to stimulus material set by Awarding Body based on
producers and audiences of film
Section B: Topics in British Film
Section C: US Film - Comparative study of two films

A2 LEVEL
Unit 3: FM3 Coursework - Film Research and Creative Projects
· A small-scale research project
· A practical creative project: Short film-making
Unit 4: FM4 Examination - Film Experience: Issues and Debates
Section A: World Cinema topics
Section B: Spectatorship topics
Section C: Single Film - Critical Study

Teaching Learning Methods:
Writing essays and readings
Writing scripts and drawing storyboards
Working individually and in groups
Presentations and debates
Screenings and seminars
Studying film resources and writing reviews
Researching aspects of the industry

Skills & Commitment:
All students should be able to demonstrate:

- An ability to communicate in writing, debate and presentations
- A developed interest in cinema
- A willingness to work independently and in small groups
- Students will also be expected to word process their coursework

Cost:
Students will be required to purchase a course text book (approx £15)

Progression:
A-level Film Studies is not a guarantee of a career in the Media. It is a route into Higher Education courses in Film, Media, Communication and Cultural Studies as well as being highly respected by departments of English and Social Sciences.

Complimentary Subjects:
Other subjects which work well with film studies include: English, Sociology, Art and Design, Music, and Theatre Studies. Students will not be able to take Media Studies and Film Studies.