HL8013: WHAT IS CINEMA ?
Jan-June 2014
This is a preliminary course outline. Readings and films listed are subject to change.
Course Description
This is an introductory course on film. We'll view a variety of different films from the classic
to the contemporary to learn about film history, different film genres, technical terminology
and different theoretical approaches to studying cinema. We will work on building a basic
understanding and vocabulary for appreciating and thinking about film.
Course Assessment



Quiz 1-3 [MCQ and short answer questions] 20%
There will be no make-up for quizzes.
Coursework Essay (700 words): 30%
Final Exam [essay questions]: 50%
Course Instructor
Dr Jinat Rehana Begum ( jinatrb@ntu.edu.sg)
HL8013 Course Schedule:
Details of the core readings for each week are listed below.
You are advised to read the short essays assigned for each week and view the films for the
week before each lecture. Films will not be screened in full during the lectures so you must
make sure you obtain and watch the films on your own before each lecture.
Week 1
14 Jan.
Introduction
Week 2
21 Jan.
Looking at movies
Reitman, Jason, dir. Juno, Canada: Fox Searchlight, 2007.
ADML PN1995.9.Y6J95
Week 3
28 Jan.
Reading
Richard Barsam and Dave Manohan Looking at Movies: an Introduction to Film, New
York : W.W. Norton & Co., 2010. [Chapter 1]
ADML PN1994.B282 2010 + 2 DVD
What is narrative? Elements of Narrative
Wong, Kar-Wai, dir. In the Mood for Love, Hong Kong: USA Films, 2000.
Reading TBA
1
Week 4
4 Feb.
What is narrative? Elements of Narrative (& the thriller)
Demme, Jonathan, dir. Silence of the Lambs, Orion, 1991.
Reading TBA
Week 5
11 Feb.
Cinematography
Ozu, Yasijiro, dir. Tokyo Story. London : Tartan, 2006.
ADML PN1995.9.F35T646E DISCS 1-3
Reading TBA
Week 6
18 Feb.
Mise-en-Scène (& the fantasy film)
Term Paper Due (to be handed in on day of lecture)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jackson, Peter, dir. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, New Line
Cinema, 2003.
Reading TBA
Week 7
25 Feb.
Mise-en-Scène (& the gothic film)
Nolan, Christopher, dir. The Dark Knight, Warner Bros., 2008.
Reading TBA
Recess Week [3-9 March]
Week 8
11 Mar.
Sound
Luhrmann, Baz, dir. The Great Gatsby, Warner Bros., 2013.
Reading TBA
Week 9
18 Mar.
The Auteur (& the Horror film)
Hitchcock, Alfred, dir. Psycho, Paramount Pictures, 1960.
Reading TBA
Week 10
25 Mar.
Animated Films
Docter, Pete, dir. Up, Walt Disney Studios Pixar Animation, 2009.
Reading TBA
Outside Hollywood
Week 11
1 April.
Khan, Farah, dir. Om Shanti Om, Eros Pictures, 2007.
Outside Hollywood
Week 12
8 April.
Haneke, Michael, Amour (Love), Artificial Eye, 2012.
2
Week 13
15 April.
Conclusion & Revision
3