Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module investigates the subject of the 'recreation' of the historical past in film ['recreation' being construed here as 'fictional' representations in retrospectively created 'epic' or 'historical' movies rather than in contemporary documentary film], and the standing of filmic representation as historical evidence, both for the past event/episode depicted in the movie and for the political and socio-cultural context within which the movie-maker was working conditions. The subject is investigated principally through study of a set of cinematic representations of 'pasts', selected with an eye to a particular theme (e.g., 'the representation of resistance, rebellion and revolution'). The module focuses particularly on 'epic' cinematic representation of ancient Rome and the Roman Empire, but cinematic representations of post-classical and modern episodes are also studied for comparison and contrast. The aims of this module are to provide an opportunity: to acquire a sound general knowledge of the subject and a closer critical knowledge of some prescribed filmic 'texts'; to read widely and critically in the primary and secondary literature associated with the subject; and to develop the capacity for independent study.

Outline Of Syllabus

Film and Reception: basics of film-theory and reception-theory; cinema and historiography; historical fact and fiction in the movies; political contexts of Hollywood Epic; plus study of a selected set of cinematic representations of the past. The module focuses on a guiding historical theme; 'the representation in the movies of resistance, rebellion and revolution', with reference to a selected sequence of films. A sequence of up to ten or eleven filmic representations of historical topics/episodes will be studied in the course of the module.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A general knowledge of the historical significance of the representations of the past in cinema, and a thorough knowledge of the historical context and significance of selected cinematic representations of selected ancient/medieval/modern historical periods/topics.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Development of a capacity for independent study and critical judgement and of the ability to respond promptly, cogently and clearly to unexpected questions arising from this study.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures impart core knowledge and an outline of knowledge that students are expected to acquire and they stimulate development of listening and note-taking skills.
Seminar / discussion classes encourage independent study and promote improvements in oral communication, problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination (a 140-minute examination consisting of two gobbets and two essays) tests the students' acquisition of a clear general and overall knowledge of the subject at the conclusion of the module plus the ability to think and to analyse a problem quickly, to select from and to apply both their general knowledge and their detailed knowledge of aspects of the subject to new questions, problem-solving skills, adaptability, the ability to work unaided and to write clearly and concisely within time-constraints.

All Erasmus students at Newcastle University are expected to do the same assessment as students registered for a degree.

Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. This will take the form of an alternative assessment, as outlined in the formats below:

Modules assessed by Coursework and Exam:
The normal alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be one essay in addition to the other coursework assessment (the length of the essay should be adjusted in order to comply with the assessment tariff); to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Modules assessed by Exam only:
The normal alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be two 2,000 word written exercises; to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Modules assessed by Coursework only:
All semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be expected to complete the standard assessment for the module; to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.
Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending the whole academic year or semester 2 are required to complete the standard assessment as set out in the MOF under all circumstances

General Notes

N/A