This module is concerned with developing an awareness of the conceptual frameworks used in film studies research and of the debates that relativize the knowledge they generate. It is concerned to develop independent research skills, an awareness of resources available, the ability to think creatively about a project, to formulate aims and objectives, and to present a convincing proposal.

This module aims to make students aware of current debates on the scope of film studies and the kind of knowledge generated in this field of study. Techniques for using existing data and creating new knowledge will be introduced and practised with a view to formulating a research project which the student will carry out in the final year of study. The research project may culminate in a final year video project, or in a written dissertation.

At the end of this modules students will:

·         Have an understanding of contemporary issues in research in film studies

·         Be able to select and apply appropriate research methods in the study or production of audiovisual texts.

·         Be aware of the kinds of materials, useful to film studies, that are stored in archives and libraries, and online, and of issues around the preservation of the film heritage.

·         Be able to design and carry out research interviews for various kinds of record (audiotape, video, or written record)

·         Be able to formulate and plan an independent research project as the basis of students’ final year dissertation or video project.

The first part of the module introduces students to different kinds of research projects that can be carried out for the final year dissertation and video projects. We will look at defining the project, doing a literature search to find appropriate source material, and deciding on appropriate methodologies to carry out the project.

For the written dissertation we will look at text analysis, genre analysis, and audience analysis. For the video project we will look at documentary and fiction film projects and deciding on the appropriate genre or mode, appropriate shooting techniques, on whether to use interviews and archive material.

Students will then present a project proposal to the whole class and answer questions in class. They will then write up a written proposal which will form the basis of the final year dissertation.

Tutor presentations using illustrative materials will be followed by seminar discussions. Students will present their own ideas and answer questions from fellow students and teaching staff. Students will be expected to have read and analysed the prescribed readings. Throughout the module students will be developing an independent project with feedback from the tutor.

We will use resources available from the Bfi website

Researcher’s Guide http://www.bfi.org.uk/filmtvinfo/researchers/

Approaches to Research http://www.bfi.org.uk/filmtvinfo/researchers/approaches_to_research.pdf

Megan Skinner, Research: The Essential Guide, http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/teaching/researchguide/

Cinema Legislation http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/445754/index.html

The following are guides to written dissertation methods and the planning and writing process

Peter Levin (2005) Excellent Dissertations! Maidenhead, New York : Open University Press, McGraw-Hill

Gillian Rose (2007) Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to the Interpretation of Visual Materials, London : Sage

Jane Stokes (2002) How to do Media and Cultural Studies London : Sage

The following are useful for video documentary work and documentary film theory

Chapman, J. (2007) Documentary in practice : filmmakers and production choice, Cambridge : Polity.

Ruby, J. (2000) Picturing culture : explorations of film & anthropology, Chicago : University of Chicago Press