Film Theory and Film Culture

The course provides an introduction to aesthetic questions central to film and an insight into theories of live pictures. Approches central to classic and contemporary film theory are dealt with, both as a means of disclosing the particularities of film, and in order to convey the common ground of different audiovisual media in the relation with an audience. Institutions central to the international market are dealt with, as are particularities of the Norwegian film and cinema system. In addition, ideological aspects related to institutions and films are discussed.

The course should provide insight into the development of theoretical and analytical positions central to film - placed in a historical context - and contribute to a critical understanding of the significance on audience and culture of film media.

Lectures, screenings, seminars and group tutorials, including continuous supervision on written exercises and oral presentations.


Required work: A written assignment of about 5 pages must be approved before the student is eligible for final assessment.


More on assessment: The final assessment is based on a one-week take-home examination where the student, in 10 - 15 pages, answers a collection of exercises. The examination is given a letter grade.


Students are required to check the results of their assignments on the department's bulletin boards.
Students are also required to keep updated on relevant information from the department or course director via It's learning, Innsida, course web pages or the department's bulletin boards.