FILM AND TELEVISION STUDIES
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
BA IN FILM AND LITERATURE
BA IN FILM STUDIES
BA IN FILM WITH TELEVISION STUDIES
2015 - 2016
Table of Contents
Page Nos.
1. The Department: General information
- Location
- Members of Staff
- Communications
- Personal Tutors
- Mitigating Circumstances
- The Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
- Student mentor scheme
- Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence (WATE)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
2. Resources
(i) Departmental:
- Undergraduate common room
- Films and film projection
- DVD/Video screenings
- Booking departmental rooms
- Health and safety
11
11
11
11
12
(ii) Outside the department:
- The Library
- DVD/Video collection
- IT/computer facilities and training for students
- Cinema provision on campus
- The Language Centre
13
14
14
15
15
3. Curriculum
- BA in Film and Literature: First year modules
- BA in Film Studies: First year modules
- Assessment
- Essay submission
- Essay extensions
- Essay deadlines
- Examination information
- The BA in Film and Literature: Second year modules
- The BA in film Studies: Second year modules
- Option information
- Dissertations
- Assessment
16
16
17
20
21
22
23
24
24
25
26
27
Curriculum ctd..
1
-
Essay submission
Essay extensions
Essay deadlines
Examination information
The BA in Film and Literature: Third year modules
The BA in Film Studies: Third Year modules
Film Options
Postgraduate Study
Assessment
Essay submission
Essay extensions
Essay deadlines
Examination information
31
31
32
33
34
34
34
36
37
40
41
42
42
4. Teaching and Learning
- Attendance and absences
- Penalty essays
- Monitoring Points
- Mobile phone policy
- Screenings, lectures, seminars and individual study
- Reading and viewing week
- Timetable
43
44
45
46
46
47
47
5. The University: summary of useful services
- Student Support Services
- University Senior Tutor
- Residential Life Team
- International Office (Immigration Team)
- Counselling Service
- Disability Services
- Mental Health Team
- University Health Centre
- Chaplaincy
- Student Funding
- Security
- Student Careers and Skills
- The Students’ Union
- Film Making
- Lord Rootes Memorial Fund
- Sexual and Racial Harassment
- The University Website
- Student Complaints Resolution Pathway
48
48
49
49
49
50
50
50
51
51
51
52
53
54
54
54
55
55
Appendix
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Dates of terms
Guidelines for the writing of essays
Exam writing skills
Third Year dissertation guidelines
Assessment criteria: guidelines
Sick certification for students
Assessed work cover sheet
Mitigating Circumstances additional guidance
Mitigating Circumstances Declaration Form
2
57
58
67
71
73
76
79
80
83
Cover still: Louis Jourdan in Letter From an Unknown Woman (Max Ophüls, USA, 1948).
Courtesy BFI.
The information in this handbook is as accurate and up-to-date as we can make it.
Statements of departmental policy are made in good faith and are an honest attempt to
describe current practices, but they do not replace entries in university regulations. In
the event of uncertainty, regulations take precedence.
3
1. THE DEPARTMENT OF FILM AND
TELEVISION STUDIES
The BA in Film and Literature and the BA in Film Studies are administered by the Film
and Television Studies department, although modules are taught by staff from Film and
Television Studies, English, French and German. This means that most administrative
matters are handled by Film and Television Studies and all your personal tutors are
from this department. The information below centres therefore mostly on Film and
Television Studies, though at appropriate points references are made to matters that
affect the literature departments (see, in particular, ‘staff’ and ‘curriculum’ below).
Location
The Film and Television Studies department is situated on the ground and first floors
of an annexe to Millburn House. Staff offices, and most of the teaching and resources
rooms, are between rooms A0.12 and A0.28 on the ground floor and between rooms
A1.12 and A1.28 on the first floor of the building.
Common Room facilities
Within the Film and Television Studies annexe, room A1.23 has been designated as the
Undergraduate Common Room.
Free tea and coffee facilities are available for all students and this public space is for
your own use and enjoyment - use it considerately, and remember to leave it clean and
tidy. (If these reasonable rules are not followed, the use of this space may be
withdrawn.) The whole of Millburn House is a no-smoking area.
The nearest outlet for food is located in University House although vending machines
can be found in Millburn House Theatre Studies Foyer.
The Departmental Office (A0.13)
The Administrator, Ms Tracey McVey, in room A0.13, plays a key role in answering
queries, and the booking of rooms and keys (see section 2, Resources). Please note the
office hours displayed on the door. They are normally:
Monday 8.15 – 6.15
Tuesday 8.00 – 4.00
Wednesday 8.00 – 4.00
Thursday 8.15 – 6.15
Friday 8.00 – 12.30
The Film Booking Office and Departmental Secretary (A0.12)
16mm and 35mm prints of films for projection are delivered to and collected from this
office, which is staffed by Dr Adam Gallimore and Ms Lynsey Willmore. Adam is
responsible for collecting essays in addition to managing the teaching collection, and
arranging video/DVD screenings.
Adam’s office hours are:
Monday – Tuesday 8.30 – 5.00
Thursday – Friday 8.30 – 5.00
There are two display boards in the corridor outside the office, with information of a
general nature concerning events in the field of Film and Television Studies (e.g.
4
conferences). Watch general noticeboards, in the corridor, for announcements of
open lectures by visiting speakers to the department or the university (also posted on
http//www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/film/researchnews/seminars/)
Members of Staff
Full-time Academic Staff:
Room No.
Dr Alastair Phillips (Head of Department)
A0.20
Mr José Arroyo (UG Admissions Tutor & Exams Secretary)
A1.17
Professor Charlotte Brunsdon (Director of Research)
A1.18
Professor Stella Bruzzi
A1.19
Dr Jon Burrows (MA Admissions & Senior Tutor (Spring))
A1.20
Dr Catherine Constable (On research leave 2015/16)
A1.21
Dr Ed Gallafent (Senior Tutor & on research leave Spring 2016) A1.22
Professor Stephen Gundle (Director of Graduate Studies)
A0.18
Dr James MacDowell (on research leave Autumn 2015)
A0.17
Dr Rachel Moseley (on research leave Spring & Summer 2016) A0.19
Dr Michael Pigott (on research leave Spring 2016)
A0.21
Dr Karl Schoonover (on research leave Autumn 2015)
A0.23
Dr Owen Weetch
A0.15
Dr Helen Wheatley (Director of Undergraduate Studies)
A0.22
Post-doctoral and Postgraduate Teaching Staff
Dr Paul Cuff
Matt Denny
Claire Jesson
Nike Jung
Georgia Mulligan
Barbara Ottmann
Patrick Pilkington
Dr Nic Pillai
Isabel Rhodes
Zoe Shacklock
Charlotte Stevens
Marta Wasik
James Taylor
Dr Lauren Thompson (Widening Participation Officer)
Tel. No.
22434
22361
22791
22436
24645
50651
23662
28435
73041
73000
74318
50684
22703
73871
A0.15
A0.25
A1.09 (Autumn)
A1.10 (Spring)
A1.09 (Spring)
A1.10 (Autumn)
A1.09 (Autumn)
A1.08 (Autumn)
A1.08 (Spring)
A1.09 (Spring)
A1.10 (Spring)
A1.10 (Autumn)
A1.08
A0.25
Clerical Staff:
Ms Tracey McVey (Departmental Administrator)
A0.13
Ms Lynsey Willmore (Graduate & Admissions Secretary) A0.12
Dr Adam Gallimore (Departmental Secretary & Librarian) A0.12
23511
22689
24696
Further information on staff, including publications and research interests, can be
found on the pages of the department’s website
(www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/film/staff).
5
Communications
Communication is an extremely important element of your relation to the department we need reliable means of contacting you and you need to know how and when to
contact us. There are four main methods of communication: Emails, Noticeboards,
Pigeonholes, Feedback and Advice Hours.
Module information
Noticeboards - Module information, timetable and, at the appropriate times, lists of
essay titles are displayed on noticeboards in the corridor in front of the departmental
office (A0.13). There is one board for each year and a general one with information
concerning all BA students. Keep your eyes open: information soon gets out of date.
Tutors may display notices on these boards concerning your modules.
Student pigeonholes – These are also situated in the corridor in front of the
departmental office (A0.13). Post is delivered to these each day - not just personal
letters but university communications, for instance from the library and from your
tutors. Get into the habit of checking your pigeonhole regularly.
For matters affecting large groups, notices are posted on the boards opposite the
pigeonholes, on the noticeboard in A1.23, or notes are put in the student pigeonholes.
Email - All staff will use email as an essential mode of communication with students;
for example, to alert them to additional module information. It is imperative that you
check the Warwick email account which the university provides you with regularly.
There will be no allowances made for students who do not check their Warwick emails
regularly, and the consequences of failing to act on information or requests sent by
email could be serious.
Website – We use the website to advertise departmental events, and to give information
about our courses/modules.
Contacting tutors
There will also be times when you will need to make contact with your academic tutors,
or personal tutor (for the role of the personal tutor, see below). The most important
form of this contact, and generally the most desirable, is face to face meetings. The
simplest way of seeing your tutors is in feedback and advice hours, and all tutors
regularly post a signup list on the board by their rooms indicating when they will be
available. If you have an unavoidable clash and therefore cannot make any of the times
available you should email your tutor or leave them a note asking for an appointment
and indicating how best to contact you.
Staff pigeonholes: all tutors have pigeonholes in the departmental office where notes
can be left for them.
Email: tutors will be happy to arrange times for face to face meetings over the email.
When contacting your personal tutor using email at the weekend or in the evening,
please be aware that they may not answer your email until the next working day.
When emailing tutors bear in mind the following:
1. Emails are sometimes printed out and placed in student files. If your email contains
sensitive personal information, please indicate this by putting the word
“confidential” in the subject box. Your email will then be filed in a signed, sealed
envelope.
6
2. Please be respectful of staff time and do not send copies of the same query by email
to several members of staff.
3. Staff in the department will not answer queries about examinations or assessed work
(such as essays) by email. If you have any queries, please make an appointment to
see the member of staff in charge of the module.
4. The department will not send out examination results by email, unless there are
exceptional circumstances.
Telephone calls: we will be asking you to fill in a form giving your telephone number
and your mobile number. However, normally we would not expect to telephone you, or
for you to telephone us, except in an emergency.
Do not expect staff to be necessarily available on a drop-in basis. In an emergency, it
might be advisable to try and get an appointment through the departmental
administrator.
Departmental registration form: you will fill in one of these forms at the beginning
of term. Please remember to keep the information updated; any change of details to be
given to the departmental administrator.
Personal Tutors
Every student is assigned a personal tutor. The list of personal tutors is displayed on
the notice board by the pigeonholes. Personal Tutors are academic members of staff
based in academic departments, assigned to each student on arrival at Warwick. The
role of a personal tutor is to provide academic advice to personal tutees on their
academic and personal development including feedback on their academic progress; to
give students help and advice about pastoral/non-academic matters and signpost
students to Student Support Services for further professional assistance; and to assist
students with induction into university life. Personal tutors are the first point of contact
for help with concerns about academic progress; study problems; enquiries about
course changes; general concerns about university life; and financial issues. The
department also has a Senior Tutor with whom students can also discuss issues. On
occasion your personal tutor may refer you to the Senior Tutor.
The Department’s Senior Tutor in 2015/16 is Ed Gallafent for Autumn 2015 and
Summer 2016 and Jon Burrows for Spring 2016. He has overall responsibility for the
operation of the personal tutor system in the Department. You should consult him if
you have queries about how the personal tutor system works, or if for any reason you
wish to change the personal tutor assigned to you (you have the right to make such a
request). He also consults with the University Senior Tutor, Stephen Lamb, regarding
sources of help and support for students outside their academic department.
You must contact the Department’s Senior Tutor if you need to apply for an extension
to a deadline for an assessed essay in Film Studies. In his absence, the head of
department, Alastair Phillips, can also grant extensions. Your personal tutor (and
module tutors) can support such requests, but cannot grant extensions.
Your personal tutor can be consulted on academic or personal matters, and may
represent you at a formal assembly (such as the board of examiners). He or she has the
right to give testimony on your behalf in disciplinary cases and is regularly consulted
by both administrators and academic staff on matters that may concern you. You would
normally expect to use your personal tutor as a referee both while at university (for
housing and part-time work for instance) and after you leave. It is therefore important
that you get to know each other.
7
Your personal tutor will arrange certain formal meetings with you, at least once per
term:
(i) There will be a meeting around the beginning of the Autumn Term to meet your
personal tutor (1st years) or to catch up after the summer.
(ii) Your personal tutor will expect to see you within the first three weeks of the Spring
Term to discuss the content of progress reports written by your module tutors in the
Autumn Term.
(iii) Your personal tutor will also expect to see you within the first three weeks of the
Summer Term to discuss Spring Term progress reports and (for 1st and 2nd years)
option choices for the following year. (Please note that if you wish to study an option
outside the department in the third year, such as a language centre option, you will need
permission from the Director of Undergraduate Studies).
1st and 3rd year students will also be expected to meet with their personal tutors in
week 10 of the Summer Term to receive and discuss a full breakdown of their exam
results. Please make sure you respond to all requests to see your personal tutor; failure
to attend meeting (i), (ii) or (iii) will incur one or more Missed Monitoring Points (see
section 4).
You are welcome to consult your personal tutor at any other time in the academic year
by making an appointment. Students may sign up to see any staff member (not just
their personal tutor) in feedback and advice hours. Your tutor’s feedback and advice
hours are there for you to discuss any academic concerns throughout the year (e.g. to
seek advice about how you might address recurrent weaknesses in your essays
identified by module tutors). Please note, however, that your personal tutor will not
normally comment on draft versions of essays.
It is vital that you see your personal tutor or the departmental Senior Tutor should you
be experiencing any personal difficulties that affect your ability to attend and study.
They will be able to offer advice and, in some cases, to help you put together a case
for mitigating circumstances (see below).
Further information about the role of the personal tutor and the responsibilities of
personal tutees is explained at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/tutors/personaltutors/functions/
Mitigating Circumstances
Defining mitigating circumstances
Mitigating Circumstances are unforeseen events or circumstances which have a
significant negative impact on your ability to successfully complete, or study
effectively in preparation for, summative assessment tasks such as essays, written or
oral examinations, assessed presentations or assessed laboratory work. If you want any
such events or circumstances to be considered by the relevant Board of Examiners you
are required to communicate formally (normally in writing) with your Department
about them. Please note that while it is acknowledged that cultural attitudes to the
disclosure of personal information may vary, students are expected to fully disclose all
matters they wish to have taken into consideration by the Board of Examiners.
If you are unsure whether something that has happened to you, or to someone close to
you, is eligible to be considered as a Mitigating Circumstance, it is likely to be eligible
8
if it was unforeseeable or beyond your control and if it also had a significant impact on
your ability to prepare for or complete the assessment in question. If you are in any
doubt about whether something that has happened to you or someone close to you is
eligible for consideration then you should consult your Personal Tutor or Student
Support or one of the advisers at the Students’ Union Advice Centre. Even if the event
or circumstance is not eligible for consideration in this way it may nevertheless be
something for which you should seek support and the tables set out in appendix 8
indicate, in their final column, where to go to access that support.
Submission of Mitigating Circumstances
If you think you do have an eligible Mitigating Circumstance you should complete and
submit a Declaration Form to your Department and submit it as soon as possible after
the circumstance arises along with appropriate supporting documentation of the sort
outlined in the ‘Supporting Documentation’ column of Table 1, below. This form can
be found at the end of appendix 8. The University recognizes that it may be difficult to
obtain supporting documentation in a timely fashion; however, you should still register
the circumstance pending supply of supporting documentation.
The final deadline dates for the submission of the Declaration Form are:
First year students: Tuesday of week 8, 14th June 2016.
Second year students: Tuesday of week 10, 28th June 2016.
Third year students: Wednesday of week 9, 22nd June 2016.
Outcomes
Mitigating Circumstances can never result in the changing of marks for individual
modules or assessments; however, they may affect your overall degree classification.
For further information on the possible effects of your Mitigating Circumstances
claim being accepted please see the separate PDF document ‘Mitigating
Circumstances Process and Procedures’, which is available online.
Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
The Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) provides a forum for discussing ideas
and addressing problems; it forms the basis for students’ views to be considered within
the department and on senior university committees and is a formal means of gauging
student opinion on academic matters. As a rule, student representatives should seek the
opinion of a significant number of students on issues to be discussed. These issues will
vary greatly, but recurrent themes include: syllabus, examinations and assessment,
library provision, computing and welfare issues. In addition, the SSLC views and
discusses the external examiners’ reports on the undergraduate degrees and feedback
from the National Student Survey in order to aid the Director of Undergraduate Studies
in the formulation of an appropriate departmental action plan, which responds to the
key issues arising. The SSLC also considers module feedback for all undergraduate
modules across the year, utilising the module leaders’ summaries of questionnaires
typically undertaken in weeks 5 and 10 of the Autumn and Spring terms.
The SSLC consists of student representatives from each degree course in every year of
study and three members of staff (the Head of Film and Television Studies, the Director
of Undergraduate Studies, who liaises with the departments teaching the Literature
modules [English, French, German], and the Subject Specialist Librarian). The SSLC
meets twice a term to consider matters brought to its attention by students or staff;
issues are solicited by means of short meetings at the end of a lecture and/or by notices
on the SSLC notice board just past the main entrance doors on the right, and/or the
online SSLC web portal and/or a special Facebook page. Second Year representatives
9
act as Chairperson and Secretary of the SSLC meetings and will also attend
departmental staff meetings to discuss issues raised at the SSLC, where appropriate.
Minutes are taken by the SSLC Secretary and should record in a concise form who was
present, what was discussed and what decisions were taken. They should be submitted
to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (as soon as possible after the meeting) who
will circulate them to all SSLC members as well as display them on the Common Room
notice board. SSLC members may report back to other students in a slot before or after
a lecture, but should inform the lecturer in advance to permit appropriate time-planning.
A hard copy booklet about the SSLC, produced by the Students’ Union, is available
from the Students’ Union and the Academic Office; it can also be downloaded at
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/sunion/sslc/handbook/. The Students’ Union organises
training sessions for SSLC representatives.
Student Mentor Scheme
As a result of a Student-Staff Student Liaison Committee initiative, the department has
developed a student mentor scheme. Second year students have volunteered to act as
mentors to first year students from the start of the autumn term. The date of the first
mentoring meeting will be announced in the first week of term.
Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence (WATE)
“More important than the curriculum is the question of the methods of teaching and the
spirit in which the teaching is given”
Bertrand Russell
The Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence give students and colleagues the
opportunity to recognise and celebrate excellence in teaching and the support of
learning throughout the nominee’s career at the University. The awards aim to:

Recognise and reward members of staff who have had exceptional impact on the
student learning experience.

Enhance the profile of teaching excellence at the University.

Award winners and commendees with funding to further enhance practice.
All staff, postgraduates and post-doctoral students who teach or support student
learning at Warwick are eligible to be nominated for an award. Winners will receive
an award of £5000 and commendees receive £2000.
Information will be circulated when nominations open and students can nominate staff
members or teaching Post-doctoral or Postgraduate students.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/ldc/funding/wate/awards/studentnomination/
10
2. RESOURCES
(i) Departmental:
Undergraduate common room
Room A1.23 is for the use of all Film & Television undergraduate students. Enjoy it
but please use the space considerately. Tea, coffee and milk are available, and the kettle
can be refilled in the Staff Kitchen (A1.06). Do let Tracey McVey know if supplies are
running low. Please leave the common room clean and be respectful of the offices
and seminar rooms nearby.
Films and film projection
Films for module screenings (16mm, 35mm and DCP formats are available) are hired
by Film and Television Studies and handled by our departmental projectionists, Frank
Gibson and Richard Allen. Frank and Richard are responsible for celluloid and digital
projection.
DVD/Video screenings
Screenings are usually either celluloid or DCP (Digital Cinema Packages). We also
project off-air recordings on DVD or Blu-Ray when prints are unavailable.
A week by week list of all module screenings is posted on the notice board to the right
of the main entrance. You may attend screenings other than those prescribed for your
module, provided there are available seats in the room - which you should check with
the relevant tutor.
The department owns a collection of about 100 film prints, mostly on 16mm, which
you may borrow and screen on the premises. Please contact Dr Adam Gallimore, who
has the list.
Booking departmental rooms
You may also book rooms for individual or small group screenings. The procedure for
booking is described below.
Rooms A0.26, A1.25 and A1.27 are used for teaching, but may also be booked for
individual screening and/or viewing of film or video outside of teaching hours via the
departmental secretaries (rooms A0.26 and A1.25 are centrally timetabled on Mondays
and Fridays and should be booked through Central Timetabling). Rooms A0.28 and
A1.28 can only be booked online through Central Timetabling
(http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/centraltimetabling). All of the teaching rooms
have video projection facilities for DVD and VHS. Rooms A0.26, A0.28, A1.25 and
A1.27 can also project Blu-Ray discs. Room A0.08 has a Steenbeck table for 35mm
viewing and a 16mm projector. You can view DVD and VHS on a TV monitor in room
A0.09, and there is also equipment in this room which enables you to make copies of
such materials. Room A0.08 contains a PC with facilities for creating digital copies of
still and moving images from VHS and DVD sources, along with an A4 scanner.
Booking rooms and keys; looking after equipment and rooms
Locally-timetables rooms are booked, and keys issued, by the secretary during office
hours (see under ‘Departmental office’). Please make sure you are familiar with the
system and plan your booking ahead. When you wish to book a room, check availability
in the folder in the office, and enter your name in the relevant slots. Always enter the
title of film(s) to be screened on the sheet when making the room booking. Rooms for
11
module screenings are already booked in the secretary’s records. (See above for
booking procedures concerning rooms A0.28 and A1.28)
Keys for weekend use should be signed out on Friday, and returned on Monday
morning. Otherwise KEYS MUST NOT BE RETAINED FOR LONGER THAN
24 HOURS.
You are personally responsible for keys issued against your signature. DO NOT hand
them to anyone else. Keys must be returned to the secretary during office hours, and
the earlier the better. Make sure that your return of a key is noted in the issue book by
signing your name.
VERY IMPORTANT: Never leave rooms for which you have been issued with a
key unoccupied and unlocked, even briefly; we know from experience that thieves
and vandals can work with amazing speed. Make sure that the video projectors (in
A1.25, A1.27, A0.26, A0.28 and A1.28) are turned off after use.
Please REPORT any damage to films or failure of equipment to the departmental office,
as soon as possible and in the most clearly detailed terms. Things do go wrong; it is not
necessarily anyone’s fault, but we need to know. Equally, report faulty video tapes or
DVDs to the library when returning them.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING INSIDE ANY UNIVERSITY
BUILDING. IF YOU DRINK COFFEE, TEA, OR WATER, PLEASE TIDY THE
CUPS UP AFTERWARDS.
DO NOT PLACE LIQUIDS NEAR OR ON
EQUIPMENT.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety matters within the university are overseen by the Safety and
Occupational
Health
Services.
Their
website
(http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/safety) provides a range of detailed information
about Health and Safety issues and procedures. In particular, the documents collected
under the title of ‘Safety in the University’ (SITU) focus on such things as Health and
Safety Training, Risk Assessment, Disability issues, Health Promotion, Computer
Workstation/VDU set up, Occupational Health and Stress Management, Accident
Reporting etc. The Film and Television Studies department has a Health and Safety
policy (hard copy in the department office) and safety and risk assessments are carried
out on a regular basis throughout the year. Health and Safety concerns should be raised
at Department meetings and/or brought to the attention of the Department Health and
Safety Officer.
Health and Safety Personnel
Department Health and Safety Officer: Tracey McVey
Film Studies First Aider: Tracey McVey
Further Advice
Director Safety and Occupational Health Services: Iain MacKirdy (Ext. 50824)
Health and Safety Adviser: Julie Brannon (Ext. 75873)
Senior Occupational Health Adviser: Jane Poole (Ext. 50082)
Fire Safety Officer: Chris Mayfield (Estates Ext. 22561)
Waste and Recycling Manager: John Watson (Estates Ext.50548)
Warwick University Health Centre (Ext. 24888)
Health and Safety Information
12
Health and Safety information can be found on the Safety and Occupational Health
Services website noted above and (more immediately) on the notice board in the main
entrance
1. If medical assistance is needed, university policy recommends the relevant
services be contacted by dialling 999. The Warwick University Health Centre
is available for consultation but is a GP practice not a walk-in centre. Their
website gives you details of how to contact two out-of-hour surgeries
(02476674123 and 02476228606) and provides maps for the closest Accident
and Emergency provision at University Hospital in Coventry and Warwick
Hospital.
2. Accidents in the department should be reported. Accident report forms are
held in the Film and Television Studies office.
In the case of Fire (See also SITU 22.4)
Fire extinguishers are located in the Department corridor rather than in the teaching
rooms, offices or projection booths. University policy in the event of fire is that you
should evacuate the building as quickly as possible. The following procedures are
recommended:
On discovering a fire: Raise the alarm by breaking the glass in the nearest Break
Glass Point which will be situated by main exit doors and along evacuation routes.
Report the fire by ringing 999.
On hearing a continuous ringing of the fire bells:
Stop what you are doing.
Leave immediately by the nearest fire exit. The person in charge of a class will direct
students to the nearest available exit. Do not use lifts.
Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
Do not attempt to put out a fire.
After any evacuation, stand well clear of the building you have exited from. You may
be directed to specified fire assembly points by university staff who will monitor and
attend any alarm in progress.
Do not re-enter the building until told it is safe to do so by the Fire Service or university
Security staff.
Personal Evacuation Plan
If there are reasons why evacuation from the building might present a significant
problem for you personally, you should consult the SOHS website about working out
a Personal Evacuation Plan and contact the department’s Health and Safety Officer.
(ii) Outside the Department
The Library
The library plays a crucial part in your studies. It is important that you become familiar
with it as soon as possible, in order to make the best possible use of its extensive
resources.
Training sessions in Term 1 are arranged by Richard Perkins, the Film and Television
Studies Subject Specialist. Richard is available to help you right through your degree
course. The best way to contact him is by email at r.perkins@warwick.ac.uk . He is
usually in the department on Mondays in room A0.08. You can make an appointment
13
in advance or drop in if you need help with finding resources. Please contact him
immediately should there be any problems with library resources for a specific module.
Richard also covers Theatre and German. The Subject Specialist Librarian for English
and French is Kate Courage (kate.courage@warwick.ac.uk).
Locations
Most Film & TV books are on Floor 3 of the Library, classified in the range PN 3220
– PN 3279. There should be multiple copies of core texts, and most required seminar
reading is available in PDF form on the Library website at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/electronicresources/extracts
Material which is in heavy demand is kept in the Short Loan Collection on Floor 1.
This includes the large collection of DVDs. At any one time you may borrow 2 books
and 2 DVDs from Short Loan in addition to your normal allocation of 15 books.
In order to give everybody the chance to use this material, the loan period is very short,
and the fines for late return very heavy. Items are always due the next morning by 11
a.m. (or Monday morning if borrowed Friday to Sunday); the fine rate is £1 per hour
overdue! Short Loan items can be booked in advance via the Library catalogue (Encore)
for a specific day or weekend slot. We advise that you do this for important DVDs, as
the collection is also used extensively by students from other departments.
DVD / Video collection
As stated above, most films are kept in Short Loan, but there are many titles not
currently being taught on modules which are held in the Store (with a longer loan
period). These can be requested via the catalogue. Items are made available for
collection on a daily basis (items requested Friday to Sunday arrive on Monday
morning). If you need to view films in the Library there are DVD / VHS players on
Floor 1. Ask at the Help Desk if you need headphones.
The collection is a key educational resource; many DVDs and tapes are irreplaceable
and should be treated them accordingly. Please report any faults to the Help Desk.
Study Space
The Library provides a range of study options. Floors 1 and 2 are designed for social /
group working, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Floors 3-5 are more traditional spaces
for individual, quiet study. If you prefer to work in complete silence there are two silent
reading rooms on the Floor 2 Extension, near the science books. The Library is open
every day (including weekends) from 8.30am to 12.00am.
Closer to Millburn House you will find The Learning Grid, a space run by the Library
in University House. This is open 24/7, and caters for group working.
IT/Computer Facilities and Training for Students
IT Services provide the essential resources and support necessary to give all members
of the University access to information technology for research, teaching, learning
and administration purposes. If students have problems using the facilities or systems
provided by IT Services, they can go to the Helpdesk located on the ground floor of
the Library building, telephone 024 765 73737 or email helpdesk@warwick.ac.uk.
14
Every student is entitled to register to use the services provided by IT Services, which
can be accessed from anywhere on campus. Information on setting up an account,
accessing the network from on and off campus, printing and purchasing computers is
available on-line at http://warwick.ac.uk/its. IT Services also produce information on
acceptable use of University IT facilities for students and staff:
http://warwick.ac.uk/regulation31. A student handbook produced by IT Services will
be available at the Film and Television Studies induction session.
Links to internet based research resources relevant to Film and Television Studies can
be found on our website (www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/film/resources/internet/).
Cinema Provision on Campus
The Arts Centre Cinema, on campus, shows on average eight different films a week
(with two different screenings every evening). Films and special study days (to which
members of the department occasionally contribute) are widely publicised on campus.
Module tutors may draw your attention to specific films, but we strongly urge you to
keep up with new releases beyond specific recommendations. Students may work as
ushers in the cinema (enquire with the Arts Centre).
The Students’ Union Film Society also shows a substantial programme of mainstream
and independent films. Only industry standard equipment is used, playing 35mm,
70mm and DCI compliant movies in L3 on the Science Concourse. Membership (as of
2014) is £3.50 and ticket prices thereafter are £2.50. For programme information or to
join the Film Society visit:
http://www.warwicksu.com/societies/filmsoc or email: info@filmsoc.warwick.ac.uk
The Language Centre
The Language Centre supports the University's commitment to the increased provision
of foreign language learning opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students
and staff across the University. It is equipped with digital language classrooms and
seminar rooms, with data projection and electronic whiteboards. There is also a multimedia open access suite with satellite TV, computer-based learning, and DVD players.
There are a number of choices available for acquiring a new foreign language or
brushing up language skills:
(i) Modules for credits on the academic programme
These can usually be taken as part of an undergraduate degree course, but this must be
agreed with student’s home department before enrolling. More information available
online from: http://warwick.ac.uk/languagecentre/academic/
(ii) Academic modules not for credit
The same modules as those available for academic credit are also available to take in
addition to degree studies. A fee applies to these modules. Further information is
available from the Centre’s website.
(iii) Lifelong Language Learning (LLL) Courses
A programme of language courses for students, members of staff and the public. More
information is available from: http://warwick.ac.uk/languagecentre/lifelonglearning/.
The Language Centre (http://warwick.ac.uk/languagecentre) is located on the ground
floor of the Humanities Building and can be contacted by email:
language.enquiries@warwick.ac.uk.
15
YEAR ONE CURRICULUM
You will have received advance information on these modules. Detailed programmes
and reading lists will be handed out by module tutors at the first session.
BA IN FILM AND LITERATURE: First year modules for 2015-2016
(for assessment see section below)
FI106 Film History
Module tutors: Stephen Gundle (Autumn), Stella Bruzzi (Spring) with Paul Cuff
(Autumn) and Isabel Rhodes (Spring)
2 screenings per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
FI107 Film Criticism
Module tutors: Alastair Phillips (Autumn), José Arroyo (Spring) with Claire Jesson
(Autumn) and Paul Cuff (Spring)
2 screenings per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
EN122 Modes of Reading
Module convenor: Gemma Goodman (English)
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
FR109 Aspects of Modern French and German Literature
Module tutors: Autumn: Siân Miles (French) and Spring: Susan Beardmore (German)
2 lectures per week
Seminars as in module handouts
BA IN FILM STUDIES: First year modules for 2015-2016
(for assessment see section below)
FI106 Film History
Module tutors: Stephen Gundle (Autumn), Stella Bruzzi (Spring) with Paul Cuff
(Autumn) and Isabel Rhodes (Spring)
2 screenings per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
FI107 Film Criticism
Module tutors: Alastair Phillips (Autumn), José Arroyo (Spring) with Claire Jesson
(Autumn) and Paul Cuff (Spring)
2 screenings per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
16
FI108 Theories of the Moving Image
Module tutor: Nic Pillai (Autumn), Karl Schoonover (Spring) with Marta Wasik
(Autumn) and Zoe Shacklock (Spring)
1 Screening per week
1 Lecture per week (1 hour)
1 Seminar per week (1½ hours)
FI109 Visual Cultures
Module tutor: Michael Pigott, Owen Weetch (Autumn), and Helen Wheatley (Spring)
1 Screening per week
1 Lecture per week (1 hour)
1 Seminar per week (1½ - 2 hours)
ASSESSMENT
The Assessment System: conventions and procedures
Throughout your studies, you are assessed through a combination of essays and unseen
examinations, which take place at the end of each year. At the end of the first year,
you need to achieve an overall pass mark of 40 in each module in order to proceed to
the second year. The actual marks obtained will not count towards your final degree
classification. However, they are an important indication of your progress and it is
important that you do your best from the very beginning. (N.B. employers sometimes
ask for academic referees to comment on 1st year performance as well as degree
results.) Final degree classes for the BA are awarded by the Final Year Examination
Board. The scale of marks equivalent to classification is as follows:
70 and above
60-69
50-59
40-49
39 and below
First
2.1
2.2
3rd
Fail
17-point marking scale
Where an assessment or exam is a single piece of work, or a small number of long
exam answers, work will be marked using the 17-point marking scale outlined below.
(The descriptors in the following table are interpreted as appropriate to the subject and
the year/level of study, and implicitly cover good academic practice and the
avoidance of plagiarism. We publish more detailed departmental marking criteria in
Appendix 4.)
With the exception of Zero, the descriptors cover a range of marks, with the location
within each group dependent on the extent to which the elements in the descriptor and
departmental marking criteria are met.
Class
First
Scale
Descriptor
Exceptional work of the highest quality, demonstrating
excellent knowledge and understanding, analysis,
Excellent 1st organisation, accuracy, relevance, presentation and
appropriate skills. At final-year level: work may achieve or
be close to publishable standard.
17
High 1st
Mid 1
st
Low 1st
Upper
Second
(2.1)
High 2.1
Mid 2.1
Low 2.1
High 2.2
Lower
Second
Mid 2.2
Low 2.2
Very high quality work demonstrating excellent knowledge
and understanding, analysis, organisation, accuracy,
relevance, presentation and appropriate skills. Work which
may extend existing debates or interpretations.
High quality work demonstrating good knowledge and
understanding, analysis, organisation, accuracy, relevance,
presentation and appropriate skills.
Competent work, demonstrating reasonable knowledge and
understanding, some analysis, organisation, accuracy,
relevance, presentation and appropriate skills.
High 3rd
Third
Mid 3rd
Low 3rd
Fail
High Fail Work does not meet standards required for the appropriate
(sub
stage of an Honours degree. There may be evidence of some
Honours)
basic understanding of relevant concepts and techniques
Fail
Low Fail
Zero
Work of limited quality, demonstrating some relevant
knowledge and understanding.
Poor quality work well below the standards required for the
appropriate stage of an Honours degree.
Work of no merit OR Absent, work not submitted, penalty in
some misconduct cases
Zero
For calculating module results, the points on this marking scale have the following
numerical equivalents:
Class
First
Upper
Second
Lower
Second
Third
Fail
Zero
Point on
numerical
scale
equivalent
st
Excellent 1 96
range of marks for work marked
using all points on 0-100 scale
93-100
High 1st
89
85-92
81
78-84
Low 1st
74
70-77
High 2.1
68
67-69
Mid 2.1
65
64-66
Low 2.1
62
60-63
High 2.2
58
57-59
Mid 2.2
55
54-56
Low 2.2
52
50-53
High 3rd
48
47-49
Mid 3rd
45
44-46
Low 3rd
42
40-43
High Fail
38
35-39
Fail
25
19-34
Low Fail
12
1-18
Zero
0
0
Mid 1
st
18
So, if an essay or exam answer is awarded the grade ‘Mid 2.1’ this means that it will
count as a numerical mark of 65 for the purpose of calculating your final grade for the
relevant module.
Further information about examinations may be obtained from your module tutors, your
personal tutor, or the department’s Examinations Secretary, José Arroyo.
The First Year Examination Board meets at the end of the summer term. Further
information about this Board, the regulations which govern it, and the procedures it
follows is available at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/academicoffice/examinations/fyboe/guide/
In each case the Board will make one of three recommendations:
1) To allow you to proceed to your second year of study.
2) To require you to take further exams in September, and/or to present further written
work for assessment, before a further Examination Board meets in late September.
3) To recommend that you withdraw from your course of study. (Students in this
category may, if they wish, take further tests in the summer vacation.)
Your personal tutor will be able to give you a full breakdown of your marks following
the board. If you are not able to be present but would like to be sent your overall module
grades, please give Tracey McVey a self-addressed envelope, and remember to see your
personal tutor at the beginning of your second year to discuss your results. Do not
request marks by email or telephone.
Examinations test your understanding of critical and theoretical issues and your
coverage of the syllabus, as well as your ability to write concisely and at short notice
(see appendix 3 guidelines on preparation for and writing under examination
conditions). Assessed essays give you the opportunity to display your command of
close textual analysis and historical research, and your ability to collect and organise
evidence. They develop your analytic, rhetorical and writing skills (see appendix 2
guidelines for the writing of essays). They also allow you to learn from comments and
corrections by tutors.
You may not repeat material from your assessed essays in any examination, (though
you may repeat material from unassessed or formative essays). If in doubt about this,
consult module tutors or your personal tutor.
Essays will normally be returned to you within four weeks (20 university working
days), with an agreed internal grade and detailed comments from the marker.
You will find in appendix 5 guidelines for the assessment criteria in operation in the
department.
All modules are examined at the end of the first year. The detail of proportion of
essay and exam work in the first year is as follows: –
FI106 Film History
Assessment:
Essay 1 x 3,000 words
Essay 1 x 3,000 words
Examination: 2 hours
19
30%
30%
40%
FI107 Film Criticism
Assessment:
Essay 1 x 1,500 words
Essay 1 x 1,500 words
Examination: 2 hours
30%
30%
40%
FI108 Theories of the Moving Image
Assessment:
1 x essay, 2,000 words
1 x essay, 2,000 words
Examination: 2 hours
30%
30%
40%
FI109 Visual Cultures
Assessment:
1 x essay 1,500 words
1 x essay 1,500 words
Examination: 2 hours
30%
30%
40%
Modes of Reading (EN122)
Assessment: 2 essays (3,500 words each)
100%
Aspects of Modern French and German Literature (FR 109)
Assessment: 2 essays (2,500 words each)
Examination: 3 hours
40%
60%
Essay Lengths
You must provide a word count at the end of your essay. 10% variation on the required
length, in either direction, is acceptable.
Essay Titles
Essay titles will be published at least 4 weeks before the essay deadline.
Essay Submission
All essays should be submitted by 12.00 noon on the day stated below. All 1st year
Film essays must be submitted both in hard copy form and in electronic form via the esubmission system. Hard copies of Film Studies essays should be handed in to the Film
and Television Studies departmental secretary (room A0.12), French Literature to the
French department (room H4.42), German Literature to the German department (room
H2.05) and Modes of Reading to the English department (Reception 5th Floor
Humanities Building). Film essays must not be submitted by fax or email.
N.B. When it comes to deadlines which fall in the first weeks of the Christmas or Easter
vacations, if you are not able to submit your essay hard copy in person you may hand
it in before the end of term (but check ahead that there will be someone available in
the office if you plan to submit it on a Friday) or send it by first class signed-for mail.
If you do submit an essay hard copy due in week 11 by mail, it must arrive by
12.00pm on the deadline day.
For Film and Television modules, the electronic version of your essay must be
submitted though Tabula at Start.Warwick:
https://start.warwick.ac.uk
The deadline for electronic submission is exactly the same as for the hard copy:
12.00pm on the day stated below. Full instructions on how to upload your essay are
20
provided on the department’s e-submission web-page. Please remember your essay
will not be considered to have been submitted until you have handed in your hard
copy AND uploaded your essay via the e-submission system. Failure to do either
by the specified deadline will mean that your essay is LATE and you will be subject
to the appropriate penalties (see p.22).
All hard copies of essays should be accompanied by a securely attached and fully
completed front sheet (see appendix 8). This sheet can also be downloaded from our
website (www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/film/undergrads/). Copies of the sheet are
available from the departmental office, and should be collected in advance – not filled
in when you arrive to submit the essay. The cover sheet only asks for your student
number so that the essay will be marked anonymously if you wish. Normally students
hand their essays in personally. If for any reason it is not possible to hand in the work
in person, you are advised not to leave the submission to the last minute, and to ask the
student entrusted with the task to phone you to confirm that the essay has been signed
in. But it should be clear that you are taking the risk of an arrangement going wrong.
Retrospective extensions are not given where the essay has been handed to a third party
and has gone astray.
Mark and comment sheets will be attached to essays when they are returned. These are
usually computer generated, but some module tutors may ask you to attach hard copies
to your essays before you hand them in. These are also available from the departmental
office.
Students diagnosed with Dyslexia should register with Disability Services. They will
assist in providing yellow stickers which should be attached to the front of assessed
essays to alert the tutor. Visit www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/tutors/disability for
further information.
Essay Extensions
If there are circumstances which prevent your handing in an essay by the prescribed
deadline, you will have to apply for an extension. The conventions which apply depend
on the department teaching the module, and are as follows:
For Film Studies modules: the only person who can grant extensions is the Senior
Tutor. You will need to fill in an extension request form on Tabula through
Start.Warwick. If the extension is agreed, you will be provided with a new deadline.
Extensions are given in the case of significant illness, accompanied by a medical note,
or comparable difficulty. They are not given to cover transport difficulties, poor time
management or mistaking/forgetting the time of deadlines. They are not normally given
for computer failure unless this is fully documented. Involvement in extra-curricular
university activities are never grounds for an extension if you could reasonably have
planned ahead and organised your time accordingly.
You may wish to use email to alert your module tutor and/or the Senior Tutor if you
are aware that circumstances are arising which may cause you to require an extension.
You will still need to fill in an extension request form on Tabula.
For English modules: extension requests for English modules should be submitted to
the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Dr Sarah Moss).
For French and German modules: extension requests should be directed to both the
Director of Undergraduate Studies in German (Dr Jim Jordan in Term One; Prof Mary
21
Cosgrove in Terms Two and Three) and the Senior Tutor of Film and Television
Studies.
In some circumstances in which you have not been granted an extension you may still
be advised to complete the assignment and hand it in. In these cases the work will be
marked and the mark reported to the appropriate examination board. The board will
consider how, if at all, the mark is to be taken into account.
Penalties for Late Submission without an Extension
When work is submitted late and no formal extension has been granted, there is a
penalty of 5 percentage points reduction of the mark per (working) day late.
Feedback
The department places great importance on maintaining teaching of the highest quality.
To help achieve this, at the end of the Autumn and Spring term, module leaders will
ask you to fill in an anonymous questionnaire, in which you are invited to reflect on
various aspects of the teaching of the module. Please be frank and constructive in your
replies as these responses play an important part in enhancing the quality of modules.
Issues raised through module feedback are discussed at SSLC meetings.
ESSAY DEADLINES
TERM ONE
2015
Monday 2nd November
Tuesday 3rd November
Monday 9th November
Friday 13th November
Monday 23rd November
Tuesday 24th November
Monday 14th December
Return Date
(Wk 5)
(Wk 5)
(Wk 6)
(Wk 6)
(Wk 8)
(Wk 8)
(Wk 11)
Visual Cultures
Modes of Reading
Film Criticism
Theories of Mov. Image
German Literature
Modes of Reading
Theories of Mov. Image
1,500 words
30th November
Formative
1,500 words
7th December
Formative
Formative
Formative
2,000 words
18th January
TERM TWO
2016
Monday 11th January
(Wk 1)
Tuesday 19th January
(Wk 2)
th
Wednesday 10 February (Wk 5)
Monday 15th February (Wk 6)
Monday 29th February (Wk 8)
Monday 7th March
(Wk 9)
Return Date
Film History
Modes of Reading
German Literature
Film Criticism
French Literature
Visual Cultures
3,000 words
8th February
3,500 words
16th February
2,500 words
9th March
1,500 words
14th March
2,500 words
30th March
1,500 words
6th April
TERM THREE
2016
Monday 25th April
Tuesday 3rd May
Wednesday 4th May
Monday 16th May
Return Date
(Wk 1)
(Wk 2)
(Wk 2)
(Wk 4)
Film History
Theories of Mov. Image
Modes of Reading
French Literature
3,000 words
24th May
2,000 words
1st June
3,500 words
2nd June
2,500 words
14th June
* Hard copies of essays due in after the end of term (Week 11) can be sent by post
provided they are sent First Class Signed For (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/signed-forfirst-class) to arrive by 12.00 noon on the submission day.
Examination information
22
The syllabus on which examinations are based will be made clear to you by each
module tutor in the revision sessions in the summer term. If in doubt, please consult
module tutors in the first place, or your personal tutor.
Copies of past examination papers (set within the last five years) are available online
at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/exampapers
Exam rubrics are posted on the noticeboard by the pigeonholes in the summer term and
will be explained by module tutors in revision sessions.
First year examinations are often scheduled to begin in week 6 of the summer term, but
exam timetabling arrangements are not made by the department and cannot be
guaranteed.
The department provides examination feedback in the form of generic feedback,
which is made available to first and second year students after the exam boards have
taken place. This feedback shows a breakdown of the range of marks across the exam
as a whole as well as each individual answer (assuming more than one person
attempted the question). The generic feedback delineates the common problems of
weak answers as well as key elements of good answers.
23
YEAR TWO CURRICULUM
BA IN FILM AND LITERATURE – 2nd year film modules for 2015-2016
(for assessment: see section below)
You will have received advance information on these modules. Detailed programmes
and reading lists will be handed out by module tutors at the first session.
Core module
FI102 Hollywood Cinema
Module tutors: Ed Gallafent (Autumn) and James MacDowell (Spring) with Paul
Cuff, James Taylor (Autumn) and Owen Weetch, James Taylor (Spring)
1 screening per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
And one of either
FI204 National Cinemas
Module tutors: Stephen Gundle (Autumn) and Karl Schoonover (Spring) with Owen
Weetch (Autumn) and Nike Jung (Spring)
1 screening per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
OR
FI203 Silent Cinema
Module tutor: Jon Burrows (Autumn & Spring)
1 Screening per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
BA IN FILM STUDIES - 2nd year film modules for 2015-2016
Students on this degree take Hollywood Cinema and National Cinemas (core
modules) - see above.
Optional Core Modules (choice of a maximum of two)
FI205 Television History and Criticism
Module tutors: Rachel Moseley (Autumn) and Charlotte Stevens (Spring)
1 Screening per week
1 lecture per week
1 seminar per week
AND/OR
FI203 Silent Cinema
Module tutor: Jon Burrows (Autumn & Spring)
1 screening per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
24
AND/OR
TH237 Audio-Visual Avant Gardes (15 CATs Autumn term only)
Module tutor: Michael Pigott
1 screening per week
Lecture and seminar schedule varies each week, use the link below to access
the weekly schedule:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/film/current/undergrads/outlines/avag
FI329 Screenwriting*
Module tutor: Lee Thomas
1 screening per week
Lecture/Seminar and workshops
*limited number of places.
Details of optional English modules outside the Department can be found at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/english/currentstudents/undergraduate/modules/o
ptionsmarket
IATL (Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning) offer the following
modules:
IL001 Forms of Identity: An Interdisciplinary Approach (15 CATS)
IL002 Navigating Psychopathology (15 CATS)
IL004 Creative Writing Across Genres (15 CATS)
IL005 Applied Imagination: An Interdisciplinary Exploration (15 CATS)
IL006 Challenges of Climate Change (15 CATS)
IL007 Human-Animal Studies (15 CATS)
IL008 Reinventing Education (15 CATS)
IL009 The IATL Undergraduate Research Project (15 CATS)
IL508 Foundations of Mathematics (15 CATS)
IL509 Obscenity, Libel and Press Regulation in Britain, 1660-today (15 CATS)
IL510 Product Design and Development (15 CATS)
IL511 Twentieth-Century Popular Culture (15 CATS)
IL512 Strategic Investment and International Business Environments [SIIBE] (15
CATS)
Choice of Option modules for Third Year
BA in Film and Literature
In your third year you will take one core film module (FI301: Film Aesthetics) and at
least one literature option module. The remaining 60 CATS you need to take in your
final year can be made up of film or literature modules, or a combination of both.
However, if you wish to take a Language Centre module or a module not listed in the
Faculty of Arts Option booklet, you will require the approval of the Head of Film and
Television Studies.
BA in Film Studies
In your third year you will take one core module (FI301: Film Aesthetics). Of the
remaining 90 CATs, at least 30 must come from film options and the remainder can be
chosen from film or from the options available in the Faculty of Arts (booklet will be
available on-line)
25
Dissertations
The opportunity exists for students to write a dissertation in place of one of their final
year options. The dissertation is a 10,000 word piece of original research, and you can
apply to write on any topic in film and television studies. The decision to permit a
student to write a dissertation will be taken by the Head of Department. He will
consider
[i] your background in the proposed subject area
[ii] your record, particularly the marks for assessed essay work, so far in the degree
[iii] the suitability of the topic as an undergraduate dissertation
[iv] the availability of suitable supervision.
Students writing dissertations are required to attend all the lectures and meetings listed
below.
The procedures and timetable are as follows:
Second Year:
Spring Term
Week 7
Lecture/workshop: ‘Formulating a Dissertation Topic’. All those considering this
option must attend this. A form on which the project is to be outlined will be given out
at this meeting
Week 10, Friday
Deadline for return of forms. These forms should be submitted to Dr Adam Gallimore
in hard copy and will be logged in, in the same way as an assessed essay.
Summer Term
Week 2, Monday
Notice indicating successful applications and naming supervisors is given.
Week 9
Lecture/workshop: ‘How to Research and Structure your Dissertation’. All those doing
the dissertation option must attend this. The workshop will outline how to structure the
dissertation and address ways of researching and writing up the literature review, which
will be undertaken over the summer holiday period.
Weeks 9 and 10
Following the lecture/workshop, contact your supervisor and arrange a meeting to
discuss your dissertation and proposed work over the summer holiday period.
First Supervisory Meeting
Third Year:
Autumn Term
Week 2, Monday
Review of Literature and draft structure submitted to supervisor
Second Supervisory Meeting
Week 4, Date to be confirmed
Workshop on presentation skills with Edward Gallafent in preparation for the
Symposium in week 8. Students must attend one skills workshop in either week 4 or
week 5.
26
Week 5, Date to be confirmed
Workshop on presentation skills, Edward Gallafent.
Week 7, Monday
Draft chapter submitted to supervisor. Discuss any issues arising with the forthcoming
presentation.
Third Supervisory Meeting
Week 8, Date to be confirmed.
Symposium: students to give 10 minute presentations on their research topics and
progress to date.
Week 9, Monday
Arrange to meet your supervisor to discuss issues arising from the presentation and gain
an overview of your term’s progress.
Fourth Supervisory Meeting
Spring Term
Week 3
Second draft chapter submitted to supervisor
Fifth Supervisory Meeting
Week 7, Monday
12.00 noon: Dissertation Submission Deadline. (For all details concerning required
presentation see Appendix 4 in this Handbook.)
Week 10, Friday
Dissertation marks returned
ASSESSMENT
The Assessment System: conventions and procedures
Throughout your studies, you are assessed through a combination of essays and unseen
examinations, which take place at the end of each year. The marks obtained in the first
year will not count towards your final degree classification, but 2nd year marks
constitute 50% of the assessment which your degree result is derived from. The scale
of marks equivalent to classification is as follows:
70 and above
60-69
50-59
40-49
39 and below
First
2.1
2.2
3rd
Fail
The Final Year Examination Board uses examination conventions for the award of
degree classifications. These conventions are not confidential and apply to all students
in the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, (but not those in the Institute of Education).
They are available on the website:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/quality/categories/examinations/markscalesconv
entions/forstudents/
27
17-point marking scale
Where an assessment or exam is a single piece of work, or a small number of long
exam answers, 1st and 2nd year work will be marked using the 17-point marking scale
outlined below.
(The descriptors in the following table are interpreted as appropriate to the subject and
the year/level of study, and implicitly cover good academic practice and the
avoidance of plagiarism. We publish more detailed departmental marking criteria in
Appendix 4.)
With the exception of Zero, the descriptors cover a range of marks, with the location
within each group dependent on the extent to which the elements in the descriptor and
departmental marking criteria are met.
Class
First
Scale
Exceptional work of the highest quality, demonstrating
excellent knowledge and understanding, analysis,
Excellent 1st organisation, accuracy, relevance, presentation and
appropriate skills. At final-year level: work may achieve or
be close to publishable standard.
High 1st
Mid 1
st
Low 1st
Upper
Second
(2.1)
High 2.1
Mid 2.1
Low 2.1
High 2.2
Lower
Second
Descriptor
Mid 2.2
Low 2.2
Very high quality work demonstrating excellent knowledge
and understanding, analysis, organisation, accuracy,
relevance, presentation and appropriate skills. Work which
may extend existing debates or interpretations.
High quality work demonstrating good knowledge and
understanding, analysis, organisation, accuracy, relevance,
presentation and appropriate skills.
Competent work, demonstrating reasonable knowledge and
understanding, some analysis, organisation, accuracy,
relevance, presentation and appropriate skills.
High 3rd
Third
Mid 3rd
Low 3rd
Fail
High Fail Work does not meet standards required for the appropriate
(sub
stage of an Honours degree. There may be evidence of some
Honours)
basic understanding of relevant concepts and techniques
Fail
Low Fail
Zero
Work of limited quality, demonstrating some relevant
knowledge and understanding.
Zero
Poor quality work well below the standards required for the
appropriate stage of an Honours degree.
Work of no merit OR Absent, work not submitted, penalty in
some misconduct cases
28
For calculating module results, the points on this marking scale have the following
numerical equivalents:
Class
First
Upper
Second
Lower
Second
Third
Fail
Zero
Point on
scale
numerical
equivalent
range of marks for work marked
using all points on 0-100 scale
Excellent 1st 96
93-100
High 1st
89
85-92
Mid 1st
81
78-84
Low 1st
74
70-77
High 2.1
68
67-69
Mid 2.1
65
64-66
Low 2.1
62
60-63
High 2.2
58
57-59
Mid 2.2
55
54-56
Low 2.2
52
50-53
High 3rd
48
47-49
Mid 3rd
45
44-46
Low 3rd
42
40-43
High Fail
38
35-39
Fail
25
19-34
Low Fail
12
1-18
Zero
0
0
So, if an essay or exam answer is awarded the grade ‘Mid 2.1’ this means that it will
count as a numerical mark of 65 for the purpose of calculating your final grade for the
relevant module.
Further information about examinations may be obtained from your module tutors, your
personal tutor, or the department’s Examinations Secretary, José Arroyo.
The Second Year Examination board meets at the end of the summer term. It consists
of the Head of Department, the Examinations Secretary and all second year module
leaders. Its main function is to ratify marks and to confirm which students can
straightforwardly proceed to their final year of study; it will also make specific
recommendations if conditions for procession to the final year have not been met (i.e.
if modules have been failed). Your personal tutor will be able to give you a full
breakdown of your marks following the board. If you are not able to be present but
would like to be sent your overall module grades, please give Tracey McVey a selfaddressed envelope and remember to see your personal tutor at the beginning of your
third year to discuss your results. Do not request marks by email or telephone.
Examinations test your understanding of critical and theoretical issues and your
coverage of the syllabus, as well as your ability to write concisely and at short notice
(see appendix 3 guidelines on preparation for and writing under examination
conditions). Assessed essays give you the opportunity to display your command of
close textual analysis and historical research, and your ability to collect and organise
evidence. They develop your analytic, rhetorical and writing skills (see appendix 2
29
guidelines for the writing of essays). They also allow you to learn from comments and
corrections by tutors.
You may not repeat material from your assessed essays in any examinations, (though
you may repeat material from unassessed or formative essays). If in doubt about this,
consult module tutors or your personal tutor.
Essays will normally be returned to you within four weeks (20 university working
days), with an agreed internal grade, and detailed comments from the first marker who,
as your module tutor, is in the best position to make them. The role of the second
marker is to monitor the standards of marking (rather than offer a second set of
comments) and to resolve the internal grade. The internal grade may be adjusted later
by the external examiners. Even though it may be subject to revision, it is felt to be
appropriate to give you the agreed internal mark and feedback before it is confirmed by
the externals, (this is also past students’ preference). Significant adjustments, though
they can happen, are very rare.
You will find in appendix 5 guidelines for the assessment criteria in operation in the
department.
All 2nd year modules are examined at the end of the year. The weightings given to
essay and exam work for film and television modules in the second year is as follows:
BA in Film and Literature and BA in Film with Television Studies
Hollywood Cinema
Assessment: 2 x 3,000 word essays
Examination: 2 questions in 2 hours (seen exam)
60%
40%
National Cinemas
Assessment: 2 x 3,000 word essays
Examination: 2 questions in 2 hours
60%
40%
Television History and Criticism
Formative assessment: 1 x 1,000 word essay
Assessment: 2 x 3,000 word essays
Examination: 2 questions in 2 hours
0%
60%
40%
Silent Cinema
Assessment: 2 x 3,000 word essays
Examination: 2 questions in 2 hours
60%
40%
Audio-Visual Avant Gardes (15 CAT)
Assessment: 1 x 2,500 word essay
Examination: 1½ hours
50%
50%
Essay Lengths
You must provide a word count at the end of your essay. 10% variation on the required
length, in either direction, is acceptable.
Essay Titles
Essay titles will be published at least 4 weeks before the essay deadline.
30
Essay Submission
All essays should be handed in by 12 noon on the day stated below; Film essays to the
Film and Television Studies departmental secretary (room A0.12), Literature essays to
the English department (Reception 5th Floor of Humanities Building), and AudioVisual Avant Garde essays to the Theatre and Performance Studies department (G.29
of Millburn House). Cover sheets for literature modules are available from the English
department. Please see English Department guidelines regarding hard copy and esubmission of assessed work:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/english/currentstudents/undergraduate/essay
All essays for Film and Television modules must be submitted in BOTH hard copy
AND electronic form. The electronic version of your essay must be submitted though
Tabula at Start.Warwick:
https://start.warwick.ac.uk
The deadline for electronic submission is exactly the same as for the hard copy:
12.00pm on the day stated below. Full instructions on how to upload your essay are
provided on the department’s e-submission web-page. Please remember your essay
will not be considered to have been submitted until you have handed in your hard
copy AND uploaded your essay via the e-submission system. Failure to do either
by the specified deadline will mean that your essay is LATE and you will be subject
to the appropriate penalties (see p.32).
No essays for any department can be submitted by fax or email.
All hard copies of essays should be accompanied by a securely attached and fully
completed front sheet (see appendix 7). Copies of the sheet are available from the
departmental office, and should be collected in advance – not filled in when you arrive
to submit the essay. Mark and comment sheets will be attached to essays when they are
returned. These will be available for collection from the departmental office.
You must hand in two hard copies of all Film and Television Studies essays; the cover
sheet only asks for your student number so that the essay will be marked anonymously
if you wish. You will need to check with other departments whether they require two
copies and anonymity. Normally students hand their essays in personally. If for any
reason it is not possible to hand in the work in person, you are advised not to leave the
submission to the last minute, and to ask the student entrusted with the task to phone
you to confirm that the essay has been signed in. But it should be clear that you are
taking the risk of an arrangement going wrong. Retrospective extensions are not given
where the essay has been handed to a third party and has gone astray.
N.B. When it comes to deadlines which fall in the first week of the Christmas or Easter
vacations, if you are not able to submit your essay in person you may hand it in before
the end of term (but check ahead that there will be someone available in the office
if you plan to submit it on a Friday) or send it by first class signed for mail. If you
do submit an essay due in week 11 by mail, it must arrive by 12.00pm on the
deadline day.
Essay Extensions
If there are circumstances which prevent your handing in an essay by the prescribed
deadline, you will have to apply for an extension. The conventions which apply depend
on the department teaching the module, and are as follows.
31
For Film Studies modules: the only person who can grant extensions is the Senior
Tutor. You will need to fill in an extension request form on Tabula through
Start.Warwick. If the extension is agreed, you will be provided with a new deadline.
Extensions are given in the case of significant illness, accompanied by a medical note,
or severely challenging personal circumstances. They are not given to cover transport
difficulties, poor time management or mistaking or forgetting the time of deadlines.
They are not normally given for computer failure unless fully documented.
Involvement in extra-curricular university activities is never grounds for an extension
if you could reasonably have planned ahead and allotted your time accordingly.
You may wish to use email to alert your module tutor and/or the Senior Tutor if you
are aware in advance that circumstances are arising which may cause you to require an
extension. You will still need to fill in an extension request form on Tabula.
For English modules: Extension requests should be submitted to the Director of
Undergraduate Studies (Dr Peter Mack in Term One, Dr Pablo Mukherjee in Terms
Two and Three).
In some circumstances in which you have not been granted an extension you may still
be advised to complete the assignment and hand it in. In these cases the work will be
marked and the mark reported to the appropriate examination board. The board will
consider how, if at all, the mark is to be taken into account.
(The second year board of examiners may choose to leave the final decision in such
cases to the end of your third year).
Penalties for Late Submission without an Extension
When work is submitted late and no formal extension has been granted, there is a
penalty reduction of the mark by 5 percentage points for each (working) day late.
2ND YEAR ESSAY DEADLINES
TERM ONE
2015
Monday 2nd November
Monday 16th November
Monday 23rd November
Tuesday 30th November
Friday 11th December
Return date
(Wk 5)
(Wk 7)
(Wk 8)
(Wk 9)
(Wk 10)
TV Hist & Crit (formative)
National Cinemas
Hollywood Cinema
AVAG (15 CAT)
TV Hist & Criticism
TERM TWO
2016
Monday 25th January
(Wk 3) Silent Cinema
Monday 22nd February (Wk 7) National Cinemas
Monday 14th March
(Wk 10) AVAG (15 and 30 CAT)
1,000 words
30th November
3,000 words
14th December
3,000 words
21st December
2,500 words
4th January
3,000 words
15th January
Return date
3,000 words
22nd February
3,000 words
21st March
Portfolio
13th April
TERM THREE
2016
Monday 25th April
Tuesday 3rd May
Monday 9th May
Return date
(Wk 1)
(Wk 2)
(Wk 3)
Hollywood Cinema
TV Hist and Criticism
Silent Cinema
32
3,000 words
24th May
3,000 words
1st June
3,000 words
7th June
* Hard copies of essays due in after the end of term (Week 10) can be sent by post
provided they are sent First Class Signed For (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/signed-forfirst-class).
Examination information
The syllabus on which examinations are based will be made clear to you in the revision
sessions in the summer term. If in doubt, please consult module tutors in the first place,
or your personal tutor.
Copies of past examination papers (from the last five years) are available online at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/exampapers
Exam rubrics are posted on the notice board in A1.23 in the summer term and will be
explained by module tutors in revision sessions.
Second year examinations often begin in week 7 or 8 of the summer term, but exam
timetabling arrangements are not made by the department and cannot be guaranteed.
The department provides examination feedback in the form of generic feedback, which
is made available to first and second year students after the exam boards have taken
place. This feedback shows a breakdown of the range of marks across the exam as a
whole as well as each individual answer (assuming more than one person attempted the
question). The generic feedback delineates the common problems of weak answers as
well as key elements of good answers.
33
CURRICULUM YEAR 3
BA IN FILM AND LITERATURE - 3rd year modules for 2015-2016
(For assessment, see section below)
Students are required to take one core film module, one core literature option and film
or literature options worth 60 CATS.
You will have received advance information on your modules. Detailed programmes
and reading lists will be handed out by module tutors at the first session.
Core Module
FI301 Film Aesthetics
Module tutors: José Arroyo with Matt Denny (Autumn & Spring)
2 screenings per week
1 lecture per week
1 seminar per week
Assessment = 1 x 5,000 word essay (60%) AND 2 hour exam (40%)
BA IN FILM STUDIES – 3rd year modules for 2015-2016
Students are required to take one core module (30 CATs) and 90 CATs worth of option
modules selected at the end of the second year.
You will have received advance information on your modules. Detailed programmes
and reading lists will be handed out by module tutors at the first session.
Core Module
FI301 Film Aesthetics
Module tutors: José Arroyo with Matt Denny (Autumn & Spring)
1 screening per week
1 lecture per week
1 seminar per week
Assessment = 1 x 5,000 word essay (60%) AND 2 hour exam (40%)
Optional 3rd Year Modules (Film & Television Studies) in 2015-2016 for BOTH
degrees
FI328 The Practice of Film Criticism: 15 CATs (Autumn Term)
Module tutor: José Arroyo
Assessment = 1 review x 1500 words (40%) AND 1 longer essay 3,500 words OR
1 video essay under 5 minutes (60%) due at the end of term.
FI329 Screenwriting: 15 CATs (Autumn and Spring)
Module tutor: Lee Thomas
1 x step outline for a short film script (30% of the total mark).
1 x 15-20 minute short film script (70% of the total mark).
34
FI318 British Cinema: 15 CATs (Autumn Term)
Module tutor: Charlotte Brunsdon
1-2 screenings per week
1 lecture per week
1 seminar per week
Assessment = 1 x 5,000 word essay
FI326 Re-enactment in Documentary: 15 CATS (Autumn Term)
Module tutor: Stella Bruzzi
1 screening per week
1 lecture per week
1 seminar per week
Assessment = 1 x 5,000 word essay OR 2 hour exam
FI325 Horror and the Gothic in Film and Television: 15 CATS (Spring Term)
Module tutor: Helen Wheatley
1-2 screenings per week
1 lecture per week
1 seminar per week
Assessment = 1 x 5,000 word essay
FI324 Hollywood Romantic Comedy: 15 CATS (Spring Term)
Module tutor: James MacDowell
1 screening per week
1 lecture per week
1 seminar per week
Assessment = 1 x 5,000 word essay OR 2 hour seen exam
FI327 Postwar Japanese Cinema: 15 CATS (Spring Term)
Module tutor: Alastair Phillips
Assessment 1 x 5,000 word essay OR 2 hour exam
FI203 Silent Cinema: 30 CATS
(PLEASE NOTE: you cannot take this module if you chose British cinema in the
Autumn Term or Horror and Gothic in the Spring Term due to a clash)
Module tutor: Jon Burrows (Autumn & Spring)
1 screening per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
FI205 TV History and Criticism: 30 CATS
(PLEASE NOTE: you cannot take this module if you chose Screenwriting in
either the Autumn or Spring due to a clash)
Module tutors: Rachel Moseley (Autumn), Charlotte Stevens (Spring)
2 screenings per week
1 lecture per week (1 hour)
1 seminar per week (1 hour)
Assessment = 1 x 5,000 word essay (50%) AND 2 hour exam (50%)
35
FI310 Dissertation (30 CATs)
Those who are writing a dissertation this year should note the timetable below:
Third Year:
Autumn Term
Week 2, Monday
Review of Literature and draft structure submitted to supervisor
Second Supervisory Meeting
Week 4, Date to be confirmed
Workshop on presentation skills with Edward Gallafent in preparation for the
Symposium in week 8. Students must attend one skills workshop in either week 4 or
week 5.
Week 5, Date to be confirmed
Workshop on presentation skills, Edward Gallafent.
Week 7, Monday
Draft chapter submitted to supervisor. Discuss any issues arising with the forthcoming
presentation.
Third Supervisory Meeting
Week 8, Date to be confirmed.
Symposium: students to give 10 minute presentations on their research topics and
progress to date.
Week 9, Monday
Arrange to meet your supervisor to discuss issues arising from the presentation and gain
an overview of your term’s progress.
Fourth Supervisory Meeting
Spring Term
Week 3
Second draft chapter submitted to supervisor
Fifth Supervisory Meeting
Week 7, Monday
12.00 noon: Dissertation Submission Deadline. (For all details concerning required
presentation see Appendix 4 in this Handbook.)
Week 10, Friday
Dissertation marks returned
For options outside the department, please refer to module documentation for details
of teaching schedule and assessment.
Postgraduate Study and Further Courses
If you are thinking of postgraduate STUDY you should talk this over with your
personal tutor in the autumn term. Selecting an appropriate course takes time and
care. Courses and programmes are advertised on the general noticeboard in the
Common Room. If you are interested in continuing your studies here at Warwick,
make an appointment with our MA admissions tutor Karl Schoonover who can advise
you. In addition information about our MA programme can be found on the
departmental website at: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/film/postgrads/ma/
36
A complete list of courses in Britain may be found (under ‘courses’) in the British
Film Institute Film and Television Handbook in the library. Some programmes have
application deadlines early in the New Year. It is normally expected that you will
have an MA before you can be considered for a PhD programme. A presentation on
postgraduate opportunities in Film and Television Studies at Warwick will be given in
the Autumn Term.
If you are thinking of teaching as a career you may need to submit a PGCE application
early in the autumn term. Some PGCE modules work on a first come, first served basis.
Most have early closing dates.
The Assessment System: conventions and procedures
Throughout your studies you are assessed through a combination of essays and unseen
examinations which take place at the end of each year. The marks obtained in the first
year have not counted towards your final degree classification. Final degree classes for
the BA are awarded by the Final Year Examination Board, based primarily on the
average of all the marks you have gained across the second and third years. The scale
of marks equivalent to classification is as follows:
70 and above
60-69
50-59
40-49
39 and below
First
2.1
2.2
3rd
Fail
The degree classification conventions which the Final Year Examination Board must
use are not confidential and apply to all undergraduate students at Warwick. They are
outlined in detail at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/academicoffice/quality/categories/examinations/
conventions/ug08/
Further information about examinations may be obtained from your module tutors, your
personal tutor, or the department’s Examinations Secretary, José Arroyo.
17-point marking scale
Where an assessment or exam is a single piece of work, or a small number of long
exam answers, 1st and 2nd year work will be marked using the 17-point marking scale
outlined below.
(The descriptors in the following table are interpreted as appropriate to the subject and
the year/level of study, and implicitly cover good academic practice and the
avoidance of plagiarism. We publish more detailed departmental marking criteria in
Appendix 4.)
With the exception of Zero, the descriptors cover a range of marks, with the location
within each group dependent on the extent to which the elements in the descriptor and
departmental marking criteria are met.
37
Class
First
Scale
Descriptor
Exceptional work of the highest quality, demonstrating
excellent knowledge and understanding, analysis,
st
Excellent 1 organisation, accuracy, relevance, presentation and
appropriate skills. At final-year level: work may achieve or
be close to publishable standard.
High 1st
Mid 1st
Low 1st
Upper
Second
(2.1)
High 2.1
Mid 2.1
Low 2.1
High 2.2
Lower
Second
Mid 2.2
Low 2.2
Very high quality work demonstrating excellent knowledge
and understanding, analysis, organisation, accuracy,
relevance, presentation and appropriate skills. Work which
may extend existing debates or interpretations.
High quality work demonstrating good knowledge and
understanding, analysis, organisation, accuracy, relevance,
presentation and appropriate skills.
Competent work, demonstrating reasonable knowledge and
understanding, some analysis, organisation, accuracy,
relevance, presentation and appropriate skills.
High 3rd
Third
Mid 3rd
Low 3rd
Fail
High Fail Work does not meet standards required for the appropriate
(sub
stage of an Honours degree. There may be evidence of some
Honours)
basic understanding of relevant concepts and techniques
Fail
Low Fail
Zero
Work of limited quality, demonstrating some relevant
knowledge and understanding.
Zero
Poor quality work well below the standards required for the
appropriate stage of an Honours degree.
Work of no merit OR Absent, work not submitted, penalty in
some misconduct cases
38
For calculating module results, the points on this marking scale have the following
numerical equivalents:
Class
First
Upper
Second
Lower
Second
Third
Fail
Zero
Point on
scale
numerical
equivalent
range of marks for work marked
using all points on 0-100 scale
Excellent 1st 96
93-100
High 1st
89
85-92
Mid 1st
81
78-84
Low 1st
74
70-77
High 2.1
68
67-69
Mid 2.1
65
64-66
Low 2.1
62
60-63
High 2.2
58
57-59
Mid 2.2
55
54-56
Low 2.2
52
50-53
High 3rd
48
47-49
Mid 3rd
45
44-46
Low 3rd
42
40-43
High Fail
38
35-39
Fail
25
19-34
Low Fail
12
1-18
Zero
0
0
So, if an essay or exam answer is awarded the grade ‘Mid 2.1’ this means that it will
count as a numerical mark of 65 for the purpose of calculating your final grade for the
relevant module.
The Final Year Examination Board meets towards the end of the summer term. It
consists of the full-time academic staff of the department and two external examiners.
Finalists will be advised of the date of the board, and it is strongly recommended that
they attend on the day to receive a detailed explanation of how their degree result was
achieved. There is also a party on the afternoon of the exam board.
Your personal tutor will be able to give you full details of your marks following the
board. If you are not able to be present but would like to be sent your marks, please
give your personal tutor a self-addressed envelope.
Examinations test your understanding of critical and theoretical issues and your
coverage of the syllabus, as well as your ability to write concisely and at short notice
(see appendix 3 guidelines on preparation for and writing under examination
conditions). Assessed essays give you the opportunity to display your command of
close textual analysis and historical research, and your ability to collect and organise
evidence. They develop your analytic, rhetorical and writing skills (see appendix 2
guidelines for the writing of essays). They also allow you to learn from comments and
corrections by tutors.
39
You may not repeat material from your assessed essays in any examinations, (though
you may repeat material from unassessed essays). If in doubt about this, consult module
tutors or your personal tutor.
Essays will normally be returned to you within four weeks (20 university working
days), with an agreed internal grade, and detailed comments from the first marker who,
as your module tutor, is in the best position to make them. The role of the second
marker is to monitor the standards of marking (rather than offer a second set of
comments) and to resolve the internal grade. The internal grade may be adjusted later
by the external examiners. Even though it may be subject to revision, it is felt to be
appropriate to give you the agreed internal mark and feedback before it is confirmed by
the externals, as this forms part of the learning process (this is also past students’
preference). Significant adjustments, though they can happen, tend to be very rare.
You will find in appendix 5 guidelines for the assessment criteria in operation in the
department.
Third Year: Choice of Assessment Method
Because of the large degree of optionality in the third year, assessment patterns vary.
Your choice of assessment will depend on the method of assessment offered by
individual modules (for instance some options are 100% assessed, with no choice), as
well as your own choice out of the possibilities offered when several assessment options
are possible (e.g. some film options can be 100% assessed or 50% assessed/50%
examined). Please note that there is no minimum quota of examinations which you need
to take.
Essay Lengths
You must provide a word count at the end of your essay. 10% variation on the required
length, in either direction, is acceptable.
Essay Titles
Essay titles will be published at least 4 weeks before the essay deadline.
Presentation of Dissertations
The conventions for the presentation of undergraduate dissertations are laid out in
Appendix 4.
You should attach a copy of the front sheet (see appendix 8 of the handbook), and the
usual rule applies allowing a 10% variation on the required word-length in either
direction.
Essay Submission
All essays should be handed in by 12 noon on the day stated below; Film essays to the
Film and Television Studies departmental secretary (room A0.12), Literature essays to
the English department (Reception 5th Floor of Humanities Building). Cover sheets for
literature modules are available from the English department. Please see English
Department guidelines regarding hard copy and e-submission of assessed work:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/english/currentstudents/undergraduate/essay
All essays for Film and Television modules must be submitted in hard copy form.
Failure to do so by the specified deadline will mean that your essay is LATE and
you will be subject to the appropriate penalties (see p.42).
No essays for any department can be submitted by fax or email.
40
All hard copies of essays should be accompanied by a securely attached and fully
completed front sheet (see appendix 7). Copies of the sheet are available from the
departmental office, and should be collected in advance – not filled in when you arrive
to submit the essay. Mark and comment sheets will be attached to essays when they are
returned. These will be available for collection from the departmental office.
You must hand in two hard copies of all Film and Television Studies essays; the cover
sheet only asks for your student number so that the essay will be marked anonymously
if you wish. You will need to check with other departments whether they require two
copies and anonymity. Normally students hand their essays in personally. If for any
reason it is not possible to hand in the work in person, you are advised not to leave the
submission to the last minute, and to ask the student entrusted with the task to phone
you to confirm that the essay has been signed in. But it should be clear that you are
taking the risk of an arrangement going wrong. Retrospective extensions are not given
where the essay has been handed to a third party and has gone astray.
N.B. When it comes to deadlines which fall in the first week of the Christmas or Easter
vacations, if you are not able to submit your essay in person you may hand it in before
the end of term (but check ahead that there will be someone available in the office
if you plan to submit it on a Friday) or send it by first class signed for mail. If you
do submit an essay due in week 11 by mail, it must arrive by 12.00pm on the
deadline day.
Essay Extensions
If there are circumstances which prevent your handing in an essay by the prescribed
deadline, you will have to apply for an extension. The conventions which apply depend
on the department teaching the module, and are as follows.
For Film and Television Studies modules: the only person who can grant extensions
is the Senior Tutor. You will need to fill in an extension request form on Tabula through
Start.Warwick. If the extension is agreed, you will be provided with a new deadline.
Extensions are given in the case of significant illness, accompanied by a medical note,
or severely challenging personal difficulties. They are not given to cover transport
difficulties, poor time management or mistaking or forgetting the time of deadlines.
They are not normally given for computer failure unless fully documented.
Involvement in extra-curricular university activities are never grounds for an extension
if you could reasonably have planned ahead and allotted your time accordingly.
You may wish to use email to alert your module tutor and/or the Senior Tutor if you
are aware in advance that circumstances are arising which may cause you to require an
extension. You will still need to fill in an extension request form on Tabula.
For English modules: Extension requests should be submitted to the Director of
Undergraduate Studies (Dr Peter Mack in Term One, Dr Pablo Mukherjee in Terms
Two and Three).
In some circumstances in which you have not been granted an extension you may still
be advised to complete the assignment and hand it in. In these cases the work will be
marked and the mark reported to the appropriate examination board. The board will
consider how, if at all, the mark is to be taken into account.
41
Penalties for Late Submission without an Extension
When work is submitted late and no formal extension has been granted, there is a
penalty reduction of the mark by 5 percentage points for each (working) day late.
3RD YEAR ESSAY DEADLINES
TERM ONE
2015
Monday 7th December (Wk 10) British Cinema
Friday 11th December (Wk 10) TV Hist & Criticism
Monday 14th December (Wk 11) Film Aesthetics
Return date
5,000 words
11th January
5,000 words
15th January
5,000 words
18th January
TERM TWO
2016
Monday 11th January
Monday 18th January
Monday 25th January
Monday 22nd February
Monday 4th April
Return date
(Wk 1)
(Wk 2)
(Wk 3)
(Wk 7)
(Wk 13)
Screenwriting (Autumn group)
Practice of Film Criticism 5,000 words
Documentary
5,000 words
Dissertation
10,000 words
Film Aesthetics
5,000 words
8th February
15th February
22nd February
21st March
3rd May
TERM THREE
2016
Monday 25th April
Tuesday 3rd May
Tuesday 3rd May
Monday 9th May
Monday 16th May
Return date
(Wk 1)
(Wk 2)
(Wk 2)
(Wk 3)
(Wk 4)
Horror & the Gothic
5,000 words
Screenwriting (Spring group)
TV Hist & Criticism
5,000 words
P/W Japanese Cinema
5,000 words
Romantic Comedy
5,000 words
19th May
1st June
1st June
7th June
14th June
* Hard copies of essays due in after the end of term (Weeks 10/11) can be sent by post
provided they are sent First Class Signed For (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/signed-forfirst-class).
Examination information
The syllabus on which examinations are based will be made clear to you in the revision
sessions in the summer term. If in doubt, please consult module tutors in the first place,
or your personal tutor.
Copies of past examination papers (over the last five years) are available online at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/exampapers
Exam rubrics are posted on the Common Room noticeboards in the summer term and
will be explained by module tutors in revision sessions.
Final year examinations usually begin in Week 5 or 6 of the summer term, but exam
timetabling arrangements are not made by the department and cannot be guaranteed.
42
4. TEACHING AND LEARNING
Attendance
Students are required to complete all components of each module to pass. Information
regarding the requirements of each module can be found on individual module
websites. This rule is in accordance with University Regulation 36.2, which ‘sets out
general requirements and expectations in terms of progress, attendance and the
completion of work.’ The following is excerpted from regulation 36.2:
1. Students are expected to engage fully with their course of study, take responsibility
for their own learning and co-operate with their department and wider University as
members of the University community. Students must comply with the requirements
for their course as set out by the department.
2. Students are expected to inform departments of any health problems, changes in
circumstances or other difficulties that may affect their progress. If a student fails to
inform the department, these circumstances cannot be taken into account.
3. Students may be required by the Head of Department to meet with staff in the
department. Students may also be required to meet with administrative staff in the wider
University.
4. If a student’s progress or behaviour persistently fails to meet the expectations set out
in this Regulation and departmental course requirements, the Head of Department may
recommend to a Continuation of Registration Committee that the student be required
to withdraw (under section 36.4.4).
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/gov/calendar/section2/regulations/reg36registrati
onattendanceprogress/
Attendance at lectures, screenings and seminars: FAQ
Why is attendance at classes important?
The Department expects all students to attend all the lectures, screenings and seminars
for each module followed. We take non-attendance seriously, as it affects both your
own learning and the collective progress of the group. It gives your teachers a
perspective on your work which can be fed into one-to-one tutorial situations as well
as in writing references.
What must I do if I cannot attend a class?
In each module the seminar tutor will keep a record of who is present, and note all
absences. If you are unable to attend your seminar group you must inform the seminar
tutor, giving the reason for your absence. You are expected to do this in advance of the
class, but if it is not possible then it is acceptable to so within 48 hours of the class
taking place.
You must do this either by email, or by a note in the tutor’s pigeonhole in the office.
The note/email must be copied to your Personal Tutor.
Failure to notify your seminar and personal tutor within the 48 hours will result in the
absence being recorded as unexcused. The judgement as to whether the absence is
excused or unexcused will be made by your seminar tutor. He or she may consult your
Personal Tutor or the Departmental Senior Tutor if necessary.
43
What are acceptable reasons for absence?
This is largely a matter of common sense. If you are ill, or you have (say) a family crisis
which means you need to be away from the campus urgently, these can be acceptable
reasons. It is advisable to provide documentary evidence. You should bear in mind that
if you are persistently ill or in personal difficulties such that you cannot attend for some
time, you may be referred to the Departmental Senior Tutor, who may discuss the
option of temporary withdrawal with you, until you are fit to study again.
What are unacceptable reasons for absence?
You cannot be excused a class because you have an essay to write. You are expected
to organise your time to make space for this.
You cannot be excused for ordinary extra-curricular activities, such as film-making, or
involvement in university societies.
Regular healthcare appointments, e.g. physiotherapy, counselling etc. should not be
made at times which repeatedly clash with a class. If you are receiving counselling
because you find the social and intellectual interaction of seminars difficult, this does
not exempt you from attendance, even if you feel you are not able to contribute a great
deal.
If you are suffering from psychological difficulties which prevent your attendance for
more than a brief period of time, you may be referred to the Departmental Senior Tutor,
who may discuss the option of temporary withdrawal with you, until you are fit to study
again.
What are the consequences of missing a significant number of seminars?
The department checks the attendance records of all students, and reviews the positions
of those who have missed four or more seminars in any module. If there are four or
more unexcused absences across any one term, you will normally be set a penalty essay.
You will receive a letter from the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Dr Helen
Wheatley) informing you of the essay title/s. This letter is will be sent via email from
Adam Gallimore and a copy will be placed on your file. The office maintains a list of
all the penalty essays set across the year.
The deadline for all penalty essays set across the 2015-2016 year is Tuesday 3rd May
2016. Penalty essays must be submitted to the office with the usual essay cover sheet
and submission is recorded by the office.
Marking: Penalty essays are not subject to the 20 day turnaround time, nor subject to
second marking. They are only given a final grade, which the module convener uses to
calculate the final module mark as detailed below.
The overall module mark is multiplied by 10, and the mark for the penalty essay is
added to that figure. The result of that addition is divided by 11 to obtain the revised
mark for the module.
Example: An overall module mark of 60, with a penalty essay mark of 52:
60 x 10 = 600. 600 + 52 = 652. 652 ÷ 11 = 59.27
So the revised overall module mark is 59.
In the case of a student being required to write two penalty essays, the addition is
divided by 12:
Example: An overall module mark of 60, penalty essays of 55 and 52
60 x 10 = 600. 600 + 55 + 52 = 707. 707 ÷ 12 = 58.91
N.B. The penalty essay mark cannot raise the mark for the module.
If the penalty essay is not submitted, the revised mark is calculated as follows:
44
Example : An overall module mark of 60, with a penalty essay mark of zero:
60 x 10 = 600. 600 + 0 = 600. 600 ÷ 11 = 54.54
So the revised overall module mark is 55.
If you believe that the absences have been recorded unfairly as unexcused, you can
appeal to the Head of Department. You will normally need documentary evidence to
support such an appeal.
You are expected to keep track of your own attendance at classes. Tutors are not obliged
to warn you that you may be in danger of being set a penalty essay for absence.
Monitoring Points
The department is required by the university to formally document all students’
attendance on, and engagement with, their degree courses by reporting to the Academic
office whether students have missed any ‘monitoring points’. Monitoring points relate
to a monitoring scheme which applies to each term of study. The monitoring scheme
for this department is as follows:
Autumn Term
(1) Attendance at initial meeting with personal tutor.
(2) Seminar attendance in week 3.
(3) Seminar attendance in week 5.
(4) Seminar attendance in week 7.
(5) Seminar attendance in week 9.
(6) Submission by set deadlines of 100% of assessed essays
Spring Term
(7) Attendance at progress review meeting with personal tutor by end of Week 3.
(8) Seminar attendance in week 4.
(9) Seminar attendance in week 8.
(10) Submission by set deadlines of 100% of assessed essays.
Summer Term
(11) Attendance at progress review meeting with personal tutor by end of Week 3.
(12) Attendance at 100% of examinations.
 If a student misses three monitoring points in one academic year the Academic
office will write a warning letter to them and they will be required to meet with
their personal tutor and/or the Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss their
progress.
 If a student misses six monitoring points in one academic year the Academic
Office will require that they are referred to the university’s Continuation of
Registration Committee, as set out in University Regulation 36 – Governing
Student Registration, Attendance and Progress.
 If a student misses eight monitoring points in one academic year, the Academic
Registrar will invoke the process outlined in University Regulation 36 –
Governing Student Registration, Attendance and Progress.
 International students should be particularly aware of the consequences of
missing Monitoring Points: the Academic office is obliged to report to the Home
Office if any Tier 4 students have been found not to be engaging with and
attending their degree course. This will normally lead to the curtailment of their
visas.
45
Mobile Phone Policy
It is very important that mobile phone use is not disruptive. In lectures, screenings,
seminars and tutorials mobiles must be switched off. Sending and reading text
messages is not acceptable. Should your phone ring during a class, you must switch it
off immediately.
Screenings, lectures, seminars and individual study
Each of your modules runs for 22 weeks (including two reading and viewing weeks).
Each involves, on a weekly basis, one or two screenings for film modules and a
combination of lectures and seminars (see section 3 above).
1. Screenings are a key aspect of film modules. You are required to attend every
screening that is programmed for you. Learn to make notes during screenings, of factual
points (e.g. characters’ names, unless you have a printed list of credits), of your own
impressions or of points in response to tutors’ comments during the lecture. Re-reading
and transcribing your notes soon after a screening is a vital preparation for lectures and
seminars. N.B. If you want to take notes during screenings using a laptop or tablet,
we would ask you to sit at the back of the screening room to avoid distracting other
students with the glare of your device.
Although VHS and DVD back-up is often available from the library, big-screen
communal viewings are crucial, providing the opportunity for a more thorough
examination of textual details, and replicating the ‘normal’ film viewing experience.
Note that there is no automatic guarantee of module films being available in the library
before related lectures and seminars are due to take place.
2. Lectures introduce or develop knowledge of a particular textual, historical or
theoretical/critical issue or area of which the week’s film or television text is an
illustration, provide historical material and offer guidelines as to how you might read
the film, further library or audio-visual research, and signal points for discussion in the
seminars.
Learning from lectures can be difficult. It is quite easy to lose the thread of a lecture if
your attention wanders even for a brief moment, although most lecturers do recap
during the lecture. Film lectures are usually illustrated with film extracts, which also
allow you a ‘breathing space’. During a lecture, you have to do three tasks
simultaneously:
i) follow and make sense of the argument(s)
ii) think about what is being said
iii) take notes
Do not write everything down: you cannot do that, listen and understand at the same
time. Try to write down the main points, and use seminars to clear up any queries.
3. Small group seminars normally emphasise close textual work, debate theoretical
issues prepared through reading, and test ideas introduced in lectures. Teaching
methods may involve split seminars and smaller group work and in some cases you
may be required to prepare short seminar presentations. Seminars are meant to be a
dynamic and supportive environment for the development of your ideas, as well as of
more general communication skills, especially the ability to construct and express
arguments.
Seminars work best if everybody contributes to them. This includes:
i) preparing: making notes on the screenings or on your reading, preparing topics
when required, doing the required reading.
ii) listening to what is being said, both by the module tutor and other students.
46
iii) talking: this includes making spontaneous interventions, not just speaking when
asked a question. Many students find this initially terrifying, because they feel
intimidated by the module tutor, or by other students in the group, or simply
because they are unused to speaking in public. To overcome this, bear in mind that
many people in the group will feel the same (even if they don’t look it). The point
is to advance a collective discussion, and that involves trial and error. Remember
that talking will be easier if you have prepared for the seminar and if you listen
attentively throughout. It is also valuable to write up your thoughts after a seminar.
4. Individual study. This will be the newest and perhaps the most difficult aspect of
your work. The undergraduate study experience is very different from taking A Levels
in a number of crucial ways. Schools and sixth-form colleges are judged and funded on
students’ exam results, and you may have experienced schooling situations in which A
level teachers play a very direct role in assisting you in the preparation of your
coursework, even to the extent of carefully scrutinising drafts and correcting mistakes
for you before work is submitted. Universities are not subject to the same pressures,
and generally take the view that a study environment in which students have to take the
initiative for improving the quality of their work will offer better preparation for life
beyond education. Module and personal tutors offer office hours to give you the
opportunity to discuss how you might approach an assignment or act on critical
feedback, but you are expected to be proactive in making use of this facility.
Organising your own individual study time requires planning and discipline; it will have
a bearing on what you get out of lectures and seminars, and ultimately on the overall
quality of your work. Individual study includes sourcing books and articles on reading
lists (often frustrating and time consuming), reading and making notes on them,
planning and writing your essays, preparing seminar presentations, keeping up with
journals and with your film viewing outside module films (films shown on campus and
those in the video library). Try to plan realistically: leaving essay preparation and
writing to the last minute is one of the most common problems. If you have persistent
difficulties planning your work, consult your personal tutor. Please consult Student
Careers and Skills programme for workplace or seminar performance, essay writing
and note taking should you need further help (p.45)
Reading and Viewing Week
The department has reading and viewing weeks in weeks 6 of the autumn and spring
terms. During these weeks no lectures or seminars are held. It is intended that you
should use the time for reading and viewing and to prepare material for the second half
of term.
Timetable
The timetable for your year of study is displayed on the noticeboards opposite Room
A0.13.
47
5. THE UNIVERSITY: SUMMARY OF USEFUL
SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Support Services
Student Support Services (http://warwick.ac.uk/supportservices) offer a
comprehensive support structure available to help with all kinds of different
problems, including personal, health, financial, problems connected with the law and
University regulations, problems involving the provision of facilities for students with
disabilities, or harassment of any sort. Students may consult the services of their own
accord, or may be referred to them by personal tutors/supervisors. There may be more
than one option available to students in difficult situations. Support services available
to students through the University comprise the following:














Student Support
(http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/studentsupport)
Personal Tutors System (http://warwick.ac.uk/personaltutors)
University Senior Tutor (http://warwick.ac.uk/seniortutor)
Residential Life Team
(http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/student-supportservices/residential-life)
International Office (http://warwick.ac.uk/services/international)
Counselling Service (www.warwick.ac.uk/counselling)
Disability Services (http://warwick.ac.uk/disability)
Mental Health Team (http://warwick.ac.uk/mentalhealth)
Student Wellbeing Advisor/Practitioner
(http://warwick.ac.uk/mentalhealth)
University Health Centre (www.uhhc.org.uk)
Chaplaincy (http://warwick.ac.uk/chaplaincy)
Student Advice Centre (an independent, free and confidential
Students’ Union service)
Student Funding
(http://warwick.ac.uk/services/academicoffice/funding/)
Security Services (http://warwick.ac.uk/security)
Student Support Services, located on the ground floor of University House, can be
contacted by telephone on 024 765 75570 or email on studentsupport@warwick.ac.uk
A students’ guide to Student Support Services entitled Need Help Finding Your Way?
is available online from (http://warwick.ac.uk/supportservices/student-supportservices-brochure.pdf).
University Senior Tutor
The University Senior Tutor works closely with the Head of Student Support to help
students in times of need by promoting the academic support of students, individually
and collectively. The Senior Tutor is an experienced member of academic staff whom
students can turn to in confidence for support regarding difficulties with their studies.
The University Senior Tutor is responsible for the personal tutor system. The University
Senior Tutor has no disciplinary function. Issues typically dealt with by the University
Senior Tutor include: academic course issues such as change of course, advice on
temporary withdrawal, appeals against academic decisions; academic complaints;
48
difficulties in getting on with a personal tutor, course tutors or supervisors; and
problems with termination of registration proceedings.
The University Senior Tutor can be contacted via email seniortutor@warwick.ac.uk
or telephone 024 765 22761.
Residential Life Team
All students who have accommodation on campus, or in some off-campus properties in
the surrounding area, have access to an excellent network of support called the
Residential Life Team. The Residential Life Team works and lives alongside students
within the Halls of Residence and is a key part of the University’s support network.
Resident Tutors are there to help with a wide range of matters including: personal or
family problems; feeling lonely or homesick; problems with accommodation – e.g.
noisy neighbours, trouble settling in etc.; and when students are not sure where to get
help or who to talk to Resident Tutors in students’ accommodation are their primary
point of contact; if unavailable, students are advised to contact the Student Support
Office.
International Office (Immigration Team)
The International Office supports all EU and international students during their studies
at Warwick and is able to assist with immigration advice (a free and confidential service
advising on issues including visa extensions, dependant visas, working in the UK
during or after study, travel visas, etc.); practical support (bringing family to the UK;
Police registration; providing letters to prove student status for visa purposes; banking)
and the International Student Experience (orientation and a programme of ongoing
induction events; social events and trips for international students and their families;
and the opportunity to take part in a HOST visit).
The International Office, located on the first floor of University House, can be
contacted by telephone on 024 765 23706 or email
Internationalsupport@warwick.ac.uk or immigrationservice@warwick.ac.uk.
Advice on immigration can only be obtained via authorised staff who are deemed to
meet the Immigration Services Commissioner’s Code of Standard and Guidance.
Students should be directed to the Immigration Team within the International Office
(immigrationservice@warwick.ac.uk) or the Students’ Union Advice Centre
(advice@warwicksu.com) in the first instance for immigration advice. It is also worth
noting that changes in a student’s enrolment status, for instance, temporary
withdrawal, can have implications for their ability to hold a visa to remain in the UK
and students may wish to seek advice accordingly.
Counselling Service
The University Counselling Service provides an opportunity for all students at any level
and at any time of study at the University of Warwick to access professional therapeutic
counselling so that they may better develop and fulfil their personal, academic and
professional potential. There are a wide variety of services, including individual
counselling, group sessions, workshops and email counselling.
Students may wish to visit the Counselling Service if they are: suffering from
depression; experiencing stress/anxiety; having problems with self/identity; having
problems with relationships; having issues from the past or present that may hinder
their capacity to function – abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, loss.
The University Counselling Service is located in Westwood House and can be
contacted by telephone on 024 765 23761 or email counselling@warwick.ac.uk.
49
Disability Services
Disability Services offer advice, guidance and support to students with Specific
Learning Differences/Dyslexia or other, hearing and visual impairments, physical
disabilities, mobility difficulties, Asperger’s, unseen/medical conditions, mental
health difficulties and any other impairment or condition that is likely to have an
impact on their studies and life at University. The services provided are tailored to the
individual and aim at enabling students to manage their support and studies
independently.
Students should visit Disability Services to discuss individual support requirements; for
advice on the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA); if they think they might be dyslexic
or have any other Special Learning Difference; if they require exam arrangements, note
taking, mentoring, specialist study skills support etc.; for information about accessible
campus accommodation, parking, resources and assistive technology; and for
information about external agencies that also provide support.
Disability Services are located on the ground floor of University House and can be
contacted by telephone on 024 761 50641 or email disability@warwick.ac.uk.
Mental Health Team
The University Mental Health Team provides advice, information and support as to
facilitate academic work and participation in University life. Their main aims are to
promote mental health and wellbeing throughout the University; to identify support
needs; to discuss strategies for managing mental health difficulties; to provide shortterm or ongoing support, which may include mental health mentoring for students in
receipt of Disabled Students Allowances; to provide information and if needed, access
to other services within the University and local mental health services.
Students should contact the Mental Health Team if they are struggling to manage a
mental health difficulty; if they, or other people, have become concerned about their
mental health recently; and if they would like to discuss strategies which may help them
to cope with university life.
The University Mental Health Team is located on the ground floor of University
House and can be contacted by telephone on 024 761 50226/51629 or email
mentalhealth@warwick.ac.uk.
Student Wellbeing Advisor/Practitioner
The Wellbeing service is based within Student Support. As well as working
institutionally to promote positive wellbeing, there is also an opportunity for students
to meet with an adviser if they have concerns about their wellbeing or would like to
make changes to their lifestyles in order to improve their wellbeing, e.g. healthy
lifestyle, work life balance, managing stress, relationships with others, etc.
University Health Centre
Students resident on campus and in some local areas should register with the University
Health Centre. Students must be registered in order to use the Health Centre, although
the Centre may be able to assist non-registered people in emergencies.
The Health Centre provides primary health care GP services to registered patients; two
medical practices with both male and female doctors; nurse practitioners and Practice
Nurses; sexual health clinics; travel clinics and immunisation facilities; physiotherapy
sessions.
50
Students should visit the Health Centre if they require a consultation with a doctor or
nurse; an emergency appointment; emergency contraception; vaccinations or advice on
vaccinations; sickness certification.
Students living off-campus, who are not able to register with the health centre, can
locate your nearest GP by visiting www.nhs.uk
The University Health Centre is located on Health Centre Road and can be contacted
by telephone on 024 765 24888.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy is the focus of Spiritual life on campus; it provides a meeting place for
Christian, Jewish and Muslim prayer and worship. It is a focal point for different faith
groups and student societies and offers a safe, supportive space at the centre of campus
where people can ‘learn to live well together’. Students of all faiths and none can come
and find a friendly place to chat and eat. A chapel, three kitchens, meeting rooms and
an Islamic prayer hall make the Chaplaincy an inclusive, spiritual and social space that
welcomes the whole University community.
Students can visit the Chaplaincy with personal issues – stress, debt, relationships,
loneliness; vocational issues; theological issues; enquiries about using the Chaplaincy
for religious and social functions.
The Chaplaincy is located by the Arts Centre and can be contacted by telephone on
024 765 23519 or email chaplaincy@warwick.ac.uk.
Student Funding
The Student Funding team offers advice and guidance on all aspects of financial
support. This includes government grants and loans, and scholarships and bursaries
provided directly by the University. The team can provide budgeting advice to help
make students’ money go further and also administers University hardship funds.
Students should visit Student Funding if they want to know what financial support they
may be entitled to; want to know more about the scholarships and bursaries; are having
difficulty paying for your day-to-day living expenses; or have additional financial needs
because they care for a child or have a disability.
The Student Funding team is located on the ground floor of Senate House and can be
contacted by telephone on 024 761 50096 or email studentfunding@warwick.ac.uk.
Security
The University Security Team works 24 hours a day to support the University’s overall
aims by ensuring there is a safe, secure and friendly environment for students, staff and
visitors. The University also has a campus policeman who is located on the University
campus, is available Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm) and can be contacted by telephone
on 024 765 22083 or email security@warwick.ac.uk. In emergencies dial 999.
Students should call the security team about emergency response requirements –
Doctor/Ambulance/Fire; safety and security issues on and off campus; assistance –
pastoral care, directions and facility support; outdoor event applications and
entertainment support.
Student Careers and Skills
Careers support for Film and Television Studies students
51
The Centre for Student Careers and Skills supports Warwick students at all levels to
devise and implement their lifelong careers plans. You can access the support at any
stage of your time here but would be well advised to start early.
Take a look at the website for more details of the services available:
www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/scs
Senior Careers Consultant
You have a designated Senior Careers Consultant, Sue Johnstone, who has extensive
experience working with students from Film and Television Studies. They will be
familiar with the range of employment opportunities open to students of your
discipline and can advise you on the relevant application processes.
The Senior Careers Consultant can be contacted by email via careers@warwick.ac.uk
Student Careers and Skills is located on the ground floor of University House. See:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/maps/interactive/
The Senior Careers Consultant will also be able to see you in your department,
although details of location vary so check available appointments. Appointments can
be made through the MyAdvantage system: https://myadvantage.warwick.ac.uk/
Your course also has a second year student appointed as the Student Careers and
Skills representative. S/he will maintain a useful Facebook page which you can find
here: https://www.facebook.com/WarwickFilmTVCareers
Spring Term Alumni Event Sue Johnstone will be working closely with the Student
Careers and Skills Rep, the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the departmental
administrator, Tracey McVey, in order to create a dedicated alumni event. Graduates
in Film Studies, Film and Television Studies and Film and Literature will return to the
department to offer advice about forging a career in their respective fields. The
previous event featured alumni from a diverse range of fields, including film
production, radio production, video game design, primary and secondary school
teaching, charity work, conceptual art and comedy writing.
Social Media
You might also want to take a look the Student Careers & Skills social media
channels:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WarwickCareersCentre
Twitter:
and
https://www.twitter.com/WarwickCareers
https://twitter.com/ArtsCareers
Warwick Careers Blog: http://careersblog.warwick.ac.uk/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/careersandskills
Succeeding at Warwick
In addition to providing advice regarding your future career, Student Careers and
Skills can help by providing academic, personal and professional training to support
your degree success. A variety of programmes and awards are available and you can
find details here:
52
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/scs/skills
Your future
You might want to find out what others who have studied your degree in the past have
gone on to do. Information is available here:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/scs/career/gradstats/department/film
During your time at Warwick you can be enhancing your employability through
becoming engaged with university life through clubs and societies. Part time paid
work, volunteering and internships can also make you more attractive to potential
employers. If you take an unpaid internship you may be able to get funding from the
university for the period of the internship (up to 2 weeks). You can find out about the
scheme here: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/scs/experience/bursary/
Try to come along to events organised by Student Careers and Skills, Careers Fairs
are a particular highlight of the year and you can find out about them at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/scs/whatson/fairs/
Given your degree subject you may also be interested in coming along to the
Creative Careers Combo in the Autumn Term – details to be published at a later
date on MyAdvantage: https://myadvantage.warwick.ac.uk
Careers consultants also run skills sessions throughout the year. These are advertised
on MyAdvantage (https://myadvantage.warwick.ac.uk/) and are designed to give you
targeted employment training. You might find, for example that it is useful to come
along to some training on how to make the best of the careers fairs, how to put
together an application or as interview preparation.
The Students’ Union
All students automatically become members of the Students’ Union and can join any
student society or run for office in the annual elections. The Union offers a number of
services including an Advice and Welfare Service which complements the help and
support provided by the Senior Tutor’s Office. The Students’ Union is constituted so
as to ensure that each Faculty is represented on the Union Executive. An Arts
representative will be elected early in the term. Anyone who has a problem that cannot
be resolved and who feels the Union can help should contact this representative.
Students’ Union Advice Centre
The Students’ Union Advice Centre (http://www.warwicksu.com/advice/) is an
independent Warwick Students’ Union-run service for all students. It offers free,
confidential, non-judgemental advice and support on a whole range of issues.
Students can contact the Advice Centre if they have academic problems and
difficulties with, for example, exams, change of course, academic appeals and
complaints; have a housing problem with their accommodation on or off campus;
have immigrations problems such as entry clearance, family members and working in
the UK; have money or legal difficulties, or are simply not sure who to talk to or
where to get help.
The Advice Centre is on the second floor of SU HQ next to the lift. It will see
students usually by appointment or can be reached by telephone on 024 765 72824 or
email advice@warwicksu.com
Film Making
53
Although your degree is devoted to the academic study of Film, Television and/or
Literature, involvement in practical and creative work is possible outside the
curriculum. If you plan to seek a career in any of the media industries it will be
advantageous for you to show that you have used your time at university to develop
your understanding and experience of the creative arts. There are many opportunities
to participate in music-making, creative writing and journalism, radio, and theatre on
campus. Experience in these fields - as creator, performer, designer, organiser - can be
exciting, and a valuable complement to your studies. There is an active film society
within, and funded by, the Students’ Union. It can provide access to video equipment
and facilities, and can put you in touch with others who wish to share in investigating
the possibilities of movie-making. Both through the society and independently,
students of Film have made interesting and accomplished productions which, in some
cases, have benefited their careers.
Lord Rootes Memorial Fund
Film students have been enabled to realise important and sometimes expensive
ambitions through assistance from the University’s Lord Rootes Memorial Fund.
Grants are available “to enable students to undertake, normally during the summer
vacation, projects or expeditions by individuals or groups entailing observation and the
intelligent use of experience in the scientific, technological, cultural, social or business
context”. Information about the Fund is usually publicised in the autumn term with a
deadline for submissions in December. Since applications need to be well considered,
persuasively presented, and fully costed it will be advantageous to make an early start,
especially if you wish to organise a group endeavour. You may find it useful to browse
through reports from past recipients of Lord Rootes awards; these are held in the
Modern Records Centre of the university library and are available for consultation on
request. You will find that a wide range of projects submitted by students from this
department has gained support and that the sums awarded have been as much as £2,000.
For further details visit:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/insite/topic/teachinglearning/rootes
Sexual and Racial Harassment
The University and the Students’ Union regard all forms of harassment as unacceptable
and are prepared to take disciplinary action against offenders. Both the University and
the Students’ Union are committed to creating a community that is free from
harassment and discrimination. Sexual, racial and personal harassment can seriously
worsen conditions for staff and students at the University. The University, recognising
the value of sustaining and advancing a safe and welcoming learning environment,
strives to treat both employees and students with respect and dignity, treat them fairly
with regards to all assessments, choices and procedures, and to give them
encouragement to reach their full potential. Therefore the University strives to treat all
its members, and visitors, fairly and aims to eliminate unjustifiable discrimination on
the grounds of gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, political beliefs,
religious beliefs or practices, disability, marital status, family circumstances, sexual
orientation, spent criminal convictions, age or any other inappropriate ground.
The University and the Students’ Union have prepared Guidelines on Sexual, Racial
and Personal Harassment (which can be seen on insite in the Campus Life [Health and
Welfare] section). The Guidelines include advice on identifying and addressing
harassment, formal procedures which can be followed and details of sources of support.
The Guidelines are also available from the office of the Director of Student and
Ancillary Services.
54
The University Website
The website is major source of information, which many of you will no doubt have
already accessed. It is to be found at www.warwick.ac.uk. From here you can easily
navigate your way through a great deal of information about the university’s academic
departments and services.
University regulations and procedures are formally laid down in the Calendar, which
is available on the web at: www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/gov/calendar
A range of university policies which the department abides by are explained at the
links below:
a. Sexual, Racial and Personal Harassment: Dignity at Work and Study
Policy http://warwick.ac.uk/humanresources/newpolicies/dignity
b. Policy on Recording Lectures by Students
http://warwick.ac.uk/quality/recordinglectures/
c. Smoking Policy
http://warwick.ac.uk/services/healthsafetywellbeing/guidance/smoking
policy
d. Policy on the Timing of the Provision of Feedback to Students on
Assessed Work
http://warwick.ac.uk/quality/categories/examinations/goodpractice/ass
essment/timeliness
e. Moderation guidance
http://warwick.ac.uk/quality/categories/examinations/moderation
f. University assessment strategy
http://warwick.ac.uk/quality/categories/examinations/assessmentstrat
Student Complaints Resolution Pathway
The University is committed to providing a high quality service to all students.
However, we realise that at times something may go wrong or you may feel dissatisfied
with the service that is provided or with the behaviour of another member of the
Warwick community. In these circumstances you are encouraged to raise the problem
as quickly as possible with the most relevant individual(s), department or service.
To find further information and advice on the University's new Student Complaints
Resolution Pathway as well as the associated formal Student Complaints Resolution
Procedure, please go to www.warwick.ac.uk/go/feedbackandcomplaints
What is a complaint?
A complaint is defined by the Student Complaints Resolution Procedure as “an
expression of significant or sustained dissatisfaction where a student seeks a specific
action to address the problem”. This means that in order to submit a complaint under
the Student Complaints Resolution Pathway, a student must be seeking a specific
outcome or resolution to the problem.
In practice, the student will usually notify a member of staff that the level of service or
treatment that they have received from the University or another individual at the
University has fallen short of what might reasonably be expected. Examples might
include complaints about your residential accommodation, the administrative or
55
professional service received, the behaviour of staff or other students or about how a
course or programme was delivered or the supervisory support you received.
The Student Complaints Resolution Procedure
The University has a clear three-stage Student Complaints Resolution Pathway for
informal and formal concerns or complaints. Further information about the Pathway,
including the 'rules' and required timescales, are set out in the formal Procedure
document (see link at end).
The Student Complaints Resolution Pathway consists of:
Stage 1: Informal Frontline / Local Resolution
Stage 2: Formal Departmental Resolution
Stage 3: Formal Institutional Review and Final Resolution
Followed by potential external escalation to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator
(OIA)
Most issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently informally at Stage 1, by speaking
to the person your complaint relates to or a member of staff in the appropriate
department or service area. We would recommend that you raise the issue as soon as
you become aware of the problem as this typically makes it easier to resolve. However,
if you have been unable to find a satisfactory resolution at the informal level, you can
submit a Formal Stage 2 Departmental Resolution form, which will escalate the
complaint to a formal complaint. For further information, please see:
www.warwick.ac.uk/go/studentfeedbackandcomplaints/
56
APPENDIX 1
DATES OF TERMS
2015 - 2016
Autumn Term
Monday 5 October 2015 - Saturday 12 December 2015
Spring Term
Monday 11 January 2016 - Saturday 19 March 2016
Summer Term
Monday 25 April 2016 - Saturday 2 July 2016
2016 - 2017
Autumn Term
Monday 3 October 2016 - Saturday 10 December 2016
Spring Term
Monday 9 January 2017 - Saturday 18 March 2017
Summer Term
Monday 24 April 2017 - Saturday 1 July 2017
2017 - 2018
Autumn Term
Monday 2 October 2017 - Saturday 9 December 2017
Spring Term
Monday 8 January 2018 - Saturday 17 March 2018
Summer Term
Monday 23 April 2018 - Saturday 30 June 2018
57
APPENDIX 2
GUIDELINES FOR THE WRITING OF ESSAYS
Essay writing is a personal and creative activity but it is done within conventions of
scholarly practice. Getting a practical sense not just of the balance, but of the
relationship between these two aspects will be a large part of your progress.
1. The Purpose of Essays
Preparing and writing essays is one of the main ways in which students on the degrees
in the Department of Film and Television Studies develop their abilities. It is also
through essays, along with invigilated examinations, that the department tests students.
An essay is an opportunity to formulate ideas, to set out an argument and to support it
with evidence. The argument is yours but it is not just your opinion. Your work should
be original, not necessarily in the sense of presenting something never previously
thought of, but in taking responsibility for your own argument. Essays sharpen analytic,
rhetorical and writing skills that can then be applied to other tasks. These ‘transferable
skills’ are highly prized by potential employers who value good communication.
2. Use of Background Material
In preparing your essay you will generally consult some historical, critical and
theoretical studies relevant to the topic. This background reading may in some cases be
less important than your close study of films and televisual works, but it is essential to
enable you to extend and focus your own responses. The department encourages the
development of individual analytical skills, backed by knowledge and established
sources. Essay writing will allow you to explore your own point of view, supported by
the evidence you have gathered.
With this in mind, make sure you note the details of secondary sources as you read them
(see (d) ‘Acknowledgement of sources’ below). Use the notes you have made, but
avoid confusing them with a formulation of your own view. The books and articles you
consult acknowledge their sources; this is normal academic practice and you must
follow it.
Note on Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the abuse of secondary reading in essays. It consists first of the direct
transcription, without acknowledgement, of passages, sentences or even phrases from
someone else’s writing, whether published or not. It also refers to the presentation as
your own of material from a printed or other source with only a few changes in wording.
There is a grey area where making use of secondary material comes close to copying
it, but the problem can usually be avoided by acknowledging that a certain writer holds
similar views. All quotations from secondary sources, including the Internet, must
therefore be acknowledged each time they occur. It is not enough to include the work
from which they are taken in the bibliography at the end of the essay, and such inclusion
will not be accepted as a defence should plagiarism be alleged.
The university regards plagiarism as an extremely serious offence. A tutor who finds
plagiarism in an essay will report the matter to the Chair of the Department. The Chair
may, after hearing the case, impose a penalty of a zero mark for the essay in question.
This can have serious consequences for first-year results. In the case of second-year
and third-year students, the matter may go to a Senate disciplinary committee. If
plagiarism is detected in one essay, it is likely that other essays by the student concerned
will be examined for evidence of the same offence.
58
In practice, few students are deliberately dishonest and cases of plagiarism may arise
from bad scholarly practice. There is nothing wrong with using other people’s ideas. In
fact one good kind of undergraduate essay is an intelligent survey and synthesis of
existing views. The important thing is to know what is yours and what is not and to
communicate this clearly to the reader. However, plagiarism is cheating and our
academic staff have become extremely efficient at detecting it.
N.B. Please note that all students are required to submit an electronic copy of all
their essays, and these will be scrutinised by the online plagiarism sourcematching service TurnItInUK, which scans coursework for any evidence of
collusion between students, unacknowledged use of any source available online
and also use of cheat sites.
3. Scholarly Presentation
Observing certain principles of scholarly presentation for assessed essays is a basic and
transferable skill. It aids clarity of communication and enables you to provide a full
account of the argument you are putting forward. Undergraduate Skills Programme
offers writing workshops and one-to-one drop in sessions, see
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/usp for details.
(a) General presentation
 Students must submit their essays in word-processed form.
 A word count must be provided at the end of the essay, and recorded on the
front sheet. Footnoted references, along with bibliographies and
filmographies, should not be included in the word count, but all other text
(including quotations) must be.
 Use A4 size paper.
 Number all pages.
 Unless otherwise instructed, insert your student ID at the head of your essay,
on the right-hand side, and on the left-hand side the name of the tutor. Below
this should appear the title or question for discussion.
 Leave wide margins for tutors’ comments on either side of the page, with space
also at the top and bottom.
 Text must be double-spaced.
 2nd and 3rd years must provide two hard copies of all essays and dissertations.
 All essays must include both a bibliography and a filmography.
(b) Presentation of titles (films, books etc.) and foreign words
 Titles of films, books, long poems first published individually, television
programmes, plays, paintings and periodicals must be italicised.
Examples:
Citizen Kane; Film Art: An Introduction; Paradise Lost; Big Brother;
The Merchant of Venice; The Birth of Venus; Sight and Sound.


The titles of articles published in periodicals, essays in edited collections, and
short poems in anthologies should be presented in single quotation marks.
Example:
Laura Mulvey argues in her essay ‘Visual Pleasure and Narrative
Cinema’ that…
Words or brief phrases in foreign languages, unless they are part of a larger
quotation, should also be italicised.
Example:
A common feature of fin de siècle novels was…
59
(c) Quotations
 All quotations, from whatever source, should be exact in wording, spelling and
punctuation.
 Short quotations embedded in the main text should be enclosed in single
quotation marks and should be accommodated to the syntax of the sentence in
which they occur. Three dots (ellipsis) are used to indicate where words or
phrases have been cut from a quotation. Accommodation to syntax of sentence
is indicated by the use of square brackets ([ ]).
Example:
In Hollywood Genres, Thomas Schatz claims that ‘the gangster genre
has had a peculiar history ... [and that] its evolution was severely
disrupted by external social forces’.
 Quotations within quotations should be differentiated by putting double
quotation marks within single ones.
Example:
According to Schatz, ‘in the words of Johnny Rocco (Edward G.
Robinson) in Key Largo: “There are thousands of guys with guns -- but
there’s only one Rocco”’.
 Long prose quotations (i.e. those which take up more than three lines of text)
and quotations in verse should be indented by one tab stop from the left hand
margin, single spaced – though separated from the surrounding text by an extra
line space before and after – and presented without quotation marks.
Example:
In Jarman’s Edward II, as Edward embraces Gaveston, Annie Lennox
sings Cole Porter’s lyrics:
Every time we say good-bye
I die a little,
Every time we say good-bye
I wonder why a little.
The significance of this anachronistic choice of song is…
(d) Acknowledgement of sources
 Every time you insert a quotation, refer to information, or paraphrase an idea
drawn from another writer, you must provide a reference which clearly indicates
the original source.
 There are several referencing systems in operation. Below are guidelines on
using the ‘author-title’ system which is the set of conventions most widely used
by other departments in the Faculty of Arts and humanities disciplines
generally, and which we strongly recommend. For a more exhaustive account
of the rules of use for this system please consult the MHRA Style Guide
(London: Modern Humanities Research Association, 2002), available in the
library.
 In the author-title system, references are presented as footnotes or endnotes. A
numeral in the main text will direct the reader to the equivalent footnote or
endnote containing the reference details. All modern word-processing
applications have the facility to insert and auto-format footnotes/endnotes.
(N.B. The numerals in the main text should ideally be placed at the end of a
sentence rather than in the middle of one – even if this means they do not
immediately follow the close of a quotation.)
 On the first occasion that a particular source is referred to, the reference must
include full bibliographic details for the source along with the relevant page
60



number. The full references for published sources should always be presented
in the format shown below.
Examples:
1
Robert Sklar, Movie-Made America: A Cultural History of American
Movies (New York: Random House, 1975), p. 56.
2
Richard Maltby, ‘“Grief in the Limelight”: Al Capone, Howard
Hughes, the Hays Office, and the Politics of the Unstable Text’, in James
Combs (ed.), Movies and Politics (Westport: Greenwood Press, 1992),
pp. 104-105.
3
Barbara Klinger, ‘Digressions at the Cinema: Reception and Mass
Culture’, Cinema Journal, 28:4 (Summer 1989), pp. 3, 5.
N.B. Observe that whilst the references for single-author monographs and
edited collections must indicate the place of publication and the name of the
publishers of the book concerned, references to periodicals do not. ‘28:4’ in the
reference to Cinema Journal means volume 28, issue 4; periodicals which are
published less than four times a year tend to count issues by number only. Also
note that if a single page is referenced, the abbreviation for the page number is
‘p.’; a reference to more than one page is indicated by ‘pp.’.
If you make successive references to the same source, then the Latin
abbreviation ‘Ibid.’ (short for ibidem, which means ‘in the same place’) is used
in place of the author’s name and the title of the source etc. ‘Ibid.’ is all that is
needed if you are referring to the same page from this source in successive
references. If you are referring to a different page this must be indicated.
Example:
1
Robert Sklar, Movie-Made America: A Cultural History of American
Movies (New York: Random House, 1975), p. 56.
2
Ibid.
3
Ibid., p. 58.
When further references to the same source do not immediately follow the initial
citation, ‘ibid.’ cannot be used. But all subsequent references are shortened to
the author’s surname and a succinct version of the source title.
Example:
3
Barbara Klinger, ‘Digressions at the Cinema: Reception and Mass
Culture’, Cinema Journal 28:4 (Summer 1989), pp. 3, 5.
4
David Bordwell, Janet Staiger and Kristin Thompson, The Classical
Hollywood Cinema: Film Style and Mode of Production to 1960
(London: Routledge, 1985), p. 23.
5
Klinger, ‘Digressions at the Cinema’, p. 11.
6
Bordwell, Staiger and Thompson, Classical Hollywood Cinema, p. 23.
When you quote something from a source you have not directly consulted, but
which is cited in another secondary source, this must be clearly indicated in
your reference.
Example:
Laura Mulvey has written that ‘Hollywood films made with a female
audience in mind tell a story of contradiction, not of reconciliation’.7
7
Laura Mulvey, ‘Notes on Sirk and Melodrama’, Movie 25 (Winter
1977-78), p. 56; quoted in Richard Maltby, Hollywood Cinema (2nd
edn.; Oxford: Blackwell, 2003), p. 353.
Bibliography
All assessed essays must include a bibliography at the end which lists every written
source which you have directly consulted. Each entry must include the same amount of
publication information provided in the initial reference to the source in your
footnotes/endnotes. The only differences in the way this information should be
formatted in your bibliography are:
61



Author surnames are listed first (the bibliography must be ordered
alphabetically by surnames). If the source consulted was authored anonymously
then ‘Anon.’ or ‘ANONYMOUS’ should be written in place of a surname.
Page numbers are not needed for listing monographs, but bibliographic entries
for essays in edited collections and articles in periodicals should indicate the
page range occupied by the essay/article.
When an essay from an edited collection is listed, the book itself should be listed
separately under the surname of its editor(s) – see the Geraghty / Brunsdon
example below.
Example:
Bibliography:
Banton, Michael, The Idea of Race (London: Tavistock, 1977).
Brunsdon, Charlotte (ed.), Films for Women (London: British Film
Institute, 1986).
Fischer, Lucy (ed.), Imitation of Life: Douglas Sirk, Director (New
Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1991).
Geraghty, Christine, ‘Three women’s films’ in Brunsdon (ed.), Films
For Women, pp. 138-145.
Malbert, Roger, and Coates, John, Exotic Europeans (London: South
Bank Centre, 1991).
Newman, Kim, review of Sin City, in Sight and Sound 15:6 (June
2005), pp. 72-74.
Vincendeau, Ginette, ‘Gérard Depardieu: The Axiom of Contemporary
French Cinema’, Screen 34:4 (Winter 1993), pp. 343-361.
Internet citations
References must be given for all written material consulted and cited, including internet
sources. The conventions for quotations from books and journals (see above) also apply
to internet sources, and all such sources should be included in your bibliography.
The agreed conventions for internet citations take the following basic form:
Author of page/s, name/title of page/s (in inverted commas), name of website
(italicised), date of posting (in parentheses; write ‘n.d.’ if this information cannot be
ascertained), page number (if indicated)*, URL, date accessed.
Example:
Ghosh, Arup Ratan, ‘Satyajit Ray’s Male Gaze’, Views, Reviews, Interviews,
(2000) <http://www.geocities.com/arghosh/malegaze.html>, accessed 18 May
2003.
Online journals often indicate an issue number, just like a published periodical, rather
than a specific posting date, and, in such cases, the way in which publication
information is presented at source should be duplicated.
Example:
Norton, Glen W., ‘Nostalgia for the Present: The Godard Renaissance
Continued’, Senses of Cinema 35 (April-June 2005)
<http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/05/35/godard_renaissance.html>,
accessed 12 June 2005.
*An increasing number of hard-copy journals are published simultaneously in an online format, and the
latter generally replicate the exact layout of the printed version to the extent that they indicate page
breaks and page numbers or duplicate the hard-copy in PDF form.
Citations of unpublished/non-written sources
62
Lectures
There may be occasions when you wish to make clear that certain statistics or ideas
which you are presenting in an essay have been taken from a course lecture. The
convention for indicating this in a footnote/endnote reference is demonstrated below.
Example:
9
Charlotte Brunsdon, lecture given at the University of Warwick, Coventry, 21
January 2007.
N.B. Such sources should not be indicated in your bibliography.
Films
 When a film is first mentioned within the text, details of director and/or
production company and/or country of origin and the year, should be included.
Example:
The Big Sleep (Howard Hawks, Warner Brothers, USA, 1944).

On the first occasion that you refer to a particular character in a film,
you should indicate the identity of the actor playing him/her.
Example:
The main protagonist Philip Marlowe (Elliot Gould) is first seen…
 All essays must include a filmography, following the bibliography, which
should provide details of all films viewed in the preparation of the essay and
referred to in the text.
 A film entry in a filmography usually begins with the title (italicised), and
includes the director, the country of origin, and the year. You may include other
details that seem pertinent, such as the names of the principal performers or the
production company. It is recommended that you include the names of the major
characters in brackets after the names of the performers.
Example:
To Have and Have Not. Dir. Howard Hawks, Prod. Warner Brothers, USA,
1944. Main cast: Humphrey Bogart (Harry Morgan), Lauren Bacall (Slim),
Walter Brennan (Eddie).
 References to films in both notes and main text should include full title with
initial capitalisation according to the accepted style of the language concerned.
(For courses like National Cinemas I & II where foreign language films are
extensively studied, the module leader will explain how titles should be
capitalised in the relevant language.) Titles should always be italicised. In the
case of non-English language films, original release titles in the original
language should be followed by the US and/or British release title.
Example: L’Amour violé/Rape of Love.
Television or radio programmes
 When television or radio programmes are discussed or alluded to in your essay,
they must also be listed in your filmography. Information for such sources
usually appears in the following order:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Title of episode or segment, if appropriate (in quotation marks)
Title of programme (italicised)
Country of origin
Name of channel or network
Transmission date. This is abbreviated to ‘tx’, and can be found for all
programmes broadcast in the UK after 1995 in the online Television and
Radio Index for Learning and Teaching (TRILT) at:
http://www.trilt.ac.uk/index.php.
Example:
‘Sold’, episode one, Band of Gold, first series, UK, Granada, tx.
12.3.1995.
63
Writer: Kay Mellor, Dir: Richard Standeven, Prod: Tony Dennis
Main cast: Cathy Tyson (Carol), Geraldine James (Rose), Barbara
Dickson (Anita), Ruth Gemmell (Gina).

Within the main text, the first (and only the first) reference made to a television
programme should be dated from the year of first transmission and, in the case
of long-running serials, the duration of the run should be indicated. Details of
production company, channel, country, may be supplied where they are relevant
to the argument but otherwise are best left for inclusion in the filmography.
Example:
Coronation Street (Granada, 1961 -) is notable for its emphasis on
strong, witty and independent-minded women.
Where writers or producers are credited their role should be indicated.
Example:
Where the Difference Begins (Writ. David Mercer, BBC, 1961) was one
of Mercer’s most important contributions to television drama.
DVDs and Blu-Rays
The conventions for referencing information or quotations taken from the audio
commentary on a LaserDisc, DVD or Blu-Ray take the following basic form:
Name of speaker, name and date of origin of film, media format, publisher of disc, place
and year of disc publication, ASIN code (usually listed on retail websites like Amazon
if not on the disc packaging).
Example:
4
Kenneth Bowser, audio commentary on Sullivan’s Travels (1941)
(DVD, Criterion Collection, USA, 2001) ASIN: B00005JH9C.
(e) Problems with English
There is a close relationship between quality of thought and excellence of expression.
One of your goals should be to develop the clarity, vividness and elegance with which
you use language as you increase the breadth of your knowledge and the depth of your
understanding. A first aim must be to ensure correct usage in spelling, punctuation and
vocabulary. Distinguished work presents interesting observations and arguments in a
precise and pleasing style, but poor English will affect the level of success you achieve
on the degree and will be detrimental to most job prospects. If your spelling is shaky,
begin with the list of ‘commonly misspelt words’ at the end of this section. In addition,
special care should be taken with the spelling of titles, characters and authors of works
being discussed.
Do not rely on the ‘spell-check’ facility on your computer. These programs identify
non-existent spellings but will fail to respond to typographical errors if the mistake
results in an existing word – for example if you type ‘way’ for ‘was’. Students are
expected to proof-read essays to eliminate such errors.
Whether or not your spelling is weak, use a dictionary regularly. An etymological
dictionary and/or a thesaurus can sharpen your style. Certain words are misused with
particular frequency. Before using the following, please check their meaning and their
grammatical usage: ‘disinterested’, ‘due to’, ‘refute’, ‘imbue’, ‘infer’, ‘quote’ ‘elide’.
Check also that you understand the difference between it’s (a contraction of ‘it is’
which you should avoid using in an academic essay) and its to indicate possession (as
in ‘the production has its problems’); under the section ‘commonly misspelt words’
you will find other pairs of words often confused with each other.
(i) Tutors will indicate where you have made errors of grammar, punctuation and
spelling. You are expected to find out why these are errors and not to repeat them.
64
If unsure, consult a grammar. Common faults in grammar include writing sentences
with no main verb in them (if you don’t understand what this means, consult a grammar
straight away), incorrect use of the colon and semi-colon and misuse of the apostrophe.
(ii) Also bear in mind the fact that logically structured argumentation cannot be
properly achieved without dividing the different stages of your analysis into separate
paragraphs. If you end up writing long passages of text which continue without any
pause over several pages then you will fail to communicate your ideas effectively and
convincingly.
Further reading
Some of the information in this handbook is based on Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook
for Writers of Research Papers (New York: Modern Language Association of America,
1984), the MHRA Style Guide (London: Modern Humanities Research Association,
2002), and R.M. Ritter, The Oxford Guide to Style (Oxford: Oxford University Press,
2002). We strongly recommend that you consult these sources if you have any further
queries.
Vocabularies in film and television
Film and Television studies draw on many disciplines. Some of the language in your
required reading may initially be daunting. If you come across concepts you do not
understand, the following dictionaries are recommended:
Bottomore, Tom, Harris, Laurence, Kiernan, V.G., and Miliband, Ralph, A Dictionary of
Marxist Thought (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1983).
Bullock, Allan, Stallybrass, Oliver, and Trombley, Stephen, The Fontana Dictionary of Modern
Thought (2nd edn.; London: Fontana Press, 1988)
Hayward, Susan, Cinema Studies: The Key Concepts (2nd edn.; London: Routledge, 2000).
Stam, Robert, Burgoyne, Robert, and Flitterman-Lewis, Sandy (eds), New Vocabularies in Film
Semiotics: Structuralism, Post-Structuralism and Beyond (London: Routledge, 1992).
Williams, Raymond, Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society (London: Fontana Press,
1976).
The glossaries in the following books are also useful:
Bordwell, David, and Thompson, Kristin, Film Art: An Introduction (7th edn.; London:
McGraw Hill, 2003).
Kawin, Bruce F., How Movies Work (Berkeley, Oxford: University of California Press, 1992).
Maltby, Richard, Hollywood Cinema (2nd edn.; Oxford: Blackwell, 2003).
Further Help with Improving Academic Writing Skills
The UG Skills Programme offers a range of options to help students with writing
essays. There are Academic Writing Workshops and one-to one drop in sessions with
Writing Mentors. See the ‘Careers and Skills’ section in Teaching and Learning and
visit:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/scs/skills/usp
COMMONLY MISSPELT WORDS
65
accommodate
accumulate
achieve
affective
(effective)
aggravate
allusion
(illusion)
*ante*antiapparent
appropriate
argument
aural (oral)
biased
blatant
*climactic
*climatic
committee
commitment
*complement
*compliment
conscious
council
counsel
criterion
(criteria pl.)
crucifixion
deceive
definite
degradation
*dependant
*dependent
desperate
detached
development
dilemma
*discreet
*discrete
divine
*dual
*duel
embarrass
emerge (immerse)
empirical
existence
extravagance
fulfilment
goddess
harass
heroes
hierarchy
humorous
hypocrisy
incite (insight)
imminent
independent
ideology
infinite
irrelevant
irresistible
led (lead)
lightning (lightening)
loneliness
lose (loose)
loth (loathe)
medium (media pl.)
metre (pentameter)
necessary
occasion
occurrence
parallel
perceive
personification
pursue
portrayal
*practice
*practise
precede
proceed
*principal
*principle
privilege
professional
*prophecy
*prophesy
recurrence
reminiscent
repellent
repetition
repress
rhythm
stratum
(strata pl.)
suppress
separate
simile
subtly
subtlety
succumb
supersede
symbolic
tendency
transience
truly
*make sure you understand the difference between pairs of words marked by an
asterisk
APPENDIX 3
EXAM WRITING SKILLS
Introduction
University examinations are NOT simply opportunities to repeat
seminar or lecture material verbatim under the constraint of time
pressure
66
University examination revision begins with renewed coverage of the main topics and themes of the
module, but be prepared to extend your learning through additional research and planning
You have to come to the examination room with the ability to demonstrate your knowledge and critical
understanding of the module in a rapid, succinct, intellectually agile, accurate and relevant fashion
I: WHY EXAMINATIONS?

To test your ability to comprehend and analyse a key topic covered within the module

To test your individual research skills to the extent that you are able to present more
comprehensive or more considered coverage of a key critical issue

To give you the chance to synthesise your existing knowledge of the topics/films/critical
literature covered within the module and then reframe this knowledge within the parameters
of a different or more challenging critical paradigm

To give you the chance to develop a wider perspective on a number of themes or issues
arising from the module and present this understanding in an independent and individual
fashion

To give you the opportunity to develop new areas of understanding in relation to the main
themes of the module

To test your ability to write clearly and accurately under time pressure

To test your ability to organize your critical thinking in a coherent and justified fashion under
time pressure

To develop the means by which you can express your understanding of a range of complex
ideas in a succinct but clear fashion

To test your ability to make an informed assessment of a wide range of critical opinion
II: HOW TO REVISE
Where to study
 Find a quiet place to study and make sure you are sitting comfortably
 Make sure your desk is well lit
 Keep background noise to a minimum
 Avoid studying in an area where there will be distractions
 Have everything you need to do your revision to hand before you start
How to study
There is no ‘right way’ to revise, as long as the method you choose enables you to gain a solid grasp of
the key issues and to consolidate and extend your existing knowledge.

Review and extend your coverage of key reading and viewing

write core ideas and facts on to cards to use as ‘prompts’

create memory aids such as diagrams or mnemonics. These will help you remember key
terms/quotes/ideas

write key notes out and display these around the house where you will see them
67

record yourself reading notes to listen to

Look at past question papers – try answering a number of sample questions in note form under
strict time limits

Look after yourself – Sometimes revision can become a competition – who stayed up latest,
who worked longest, who’s worrying the most. But the more tired you are the less efficiently
you’ll work. You need to rest as well as study, eat well, drink lots of water and make sure you
pace yourself. Don’t rush, and equally don’t over-revise by doing too much too soon
Have a revision plan

The top tip for successful revision is to make a plan; otherwise it is easy to waste your
precious revision time. It is helpful to look at your exam dates and work backwards to the first
date you intend to start revising.

List all your exam subjects and the amount of time you think you will need for each one.

Draw up a revision plan for each week

Fill in any regular commitments you have first and the dates of your examinations

Use Revision Checklists for each subject as a starting point. Look at what you need to know
or would like to know more about. Try to identify any gaps in your knowledge

Divide your time for each subject into topics, and make sure you allow enough time for each
one

Plan your time carefully, assigning more time to subjects and topics you find difficult
General Tips

Revise often; try and do a little every day

Plan in time off, including time for activities which can be done out in the fresh air. Take a 5
or 10 minute break every hour and do some stretching exercises, go for a short walk or make a
drink

Don’t panic; think about what you can achieve, not what you can’t. Positive thinking is
important!

Don’t stay up all night last minute revising; being overtired will not help you to do your best

Eat sensibly – your brain cells need energy to function well. Make sure you drink plenty of
water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Dehydration makes you tired and reduces concentration

It is natural to feel nervous before an examination. The more prepared you feel, the easier it
will be to conquer your fears.

Think positively and constructively
III: WRITING THE PAPER

Planning is crucial. Do not rush into your answer.

Keep your sentence and paragraph structure concise.

Express yourself as clearly and straightforwardly as possible.

Be specific. Avoid generalization.
 Justify your arguments.
68

Do not repeat your points unnecessarily. Keep a sense of forward momentum and intellectual
progression.

Make sure that you are answering the precise question.

Do not waste space with waffle or elaborate cleverness.

Refer to important critical reading (but no need to follow elaborate rules of referencing) e.g.
‘as Leahy has argued ….’

Keep textual analysis succinct and relevant.

Demonstrate the range of critical opinion of a given topic and provide a reasoned assessment
of it.
IV: HOW TO STRUCTURE AN EXAM ESSAY
Always work with a plan. Start with an INTRODUCTION which provides any necessary contextual
information and which looks ahead to the main body of the essay and indicates what is to come. Go on
to the ARGUMENT which is presented as a series of points which are considered in turn and which
should be coherent and consistent and draw on evidence. End with the CONCLUSION where the
argument will be summarised and perhaps further implications considered. When writing keep in mind
the following questions:
*
will the focus be consistent?
*
will the essay appear to be a coherent whole?
*
what links can be made between the different sections?
*
how will the introduction and conclusion relate?
*
what will be the balance of words between the different sections?
*
have the ideas and arguments been fully signposted and developed?
*
has the question been answered?
*
is the tone of the essay appropriate for a piece of academic writing?
YOUR ESSAY SHOULD BE FREE OF ANY MECHANICAL
ERRORS. THEREFORE CHECK:
Spelling
Punctuation
Grammar and syntax Make sure that your sentence structure is not too over-complex and that your
syntax is clear and coherent
Presentation try to keep your handwriting clear and legible
V: HOW WILL YOUR EXAM PAPER BE ASSESSED?
*
the essay's relevance to the title
*
structure/organisation
*
understanding and use of relevant critical terms and concepts
*
originality of interpretation (ability to move beyond mere repetition of core material
covered in seminar or lecture)
69
*
persuasiveness and coherence of argument
*
prose style
*
use of appropriate textual analysis
*
appropriate use and proper acknowledgement of secondary sources
*
informed understanding and use of relevant contexts (historical, social, cultural etc.)
*
technical accuracy
70
APPENDIX 4
Third Year Dissertation Option
Submitting your Dissertation
You should submit TWO copies of your dissertation to the Film Studies office by 12.00
noon on Monday Week 7 (Spring Term). One copy will subsequently be returned to
you. The presentation of your dissertation should conform to the description below.
Title-Page
This should include the following information: the title of the work, the full name of
the author, the name of the institution and the date (month and year) of submission.
Summary/Abstract
This follows the title-page and should not be longer than 500 words. It should
summarise the content of the thesis and the way in which it is organised, and
described the scope of the work, the research methodology used, the principal
divisions within the work and the conclusions reached.
Table of Contents
This should list, in sequence, with page numbers, all relevant subdivisions of the
dissertation, including the title of chapters, sections and sub-sections, as appropriate;
the list of references; the bibliography film/television/videography; the list of
abbreviations and other functional parts of the whole dissertation; any appendices.
Text
The main text should be divided into appropriate sections and/or chapters, with subsections if necessary. The first section or chapter would generally include, but need
be limited to, the introduction to the work and a review of the literature.
Notes
Notes should be numbered in a single sequence throughout each chapter (or section),
starting a new sequence for each chapter. Notes should be placed either at the foot of
each page, or immediately following the chapter that they refer to, or should be
grouped together by chapter or section as the end of the text, before the bibliography.
Appendices
Miscellaneous material such as lists, tables, copies of documents and other material,
too lengthy to be contained in the main text or the notes, should be added in the form
of appendices at the end, before the bibliography.
Bibliography
This should list all of the works referred to in the text and all those works consulted
which were of relevance in alphabetical order, with full publications details. Use the
guidelines to assessed essays (Appendix 2).
Word count
The dissertation is 10,000 words long (9,000 minimum, 11,000 maximum; excluding
footnotes, appendices [of reasonably short length], filmography and bibliography).
Presentation of the Dissertation
71
Typing
Theses or dissertations should be typed on one side of A4 paper, using 12 pt.
typeface.
Margins
Margins should be 4cm wide on the left-hand side and 2cm on the other three sides.
Spacing
The main text, preface, contents page and appendices should be typed in double
spacing. The bibliography should have double spacing between items and single
spacing within items.
Pagination
Page numbers should begin on the first page of the main text, following the list of
illustrations or abbreviations and continue to the end of the work.
Headings
Sections and/or chapters should always begin on a new page, and their titles should be
centred and in capitals. Sub-sections should be differentiated from the main text by
using extra spacing.
Binding
Warwickprint (located at Westwood) offers a thesis binding service. You can submit
dissertations or theses electronically at
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/retail/warwickprint/bookbinding/softbinding/ comb binding is also acceptable if you prefer.
72
APPENDIX 5
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: GUIDELINES
The criteria of assessment always relate to the purpose and content of specific
assignments. However minimum requirements can be stated because there are some
qualities common to all acceptable work in our subjects. These are, primarily:

Accuracy in accounts of texts and in references to historical events and
circumstances. These references and accounts display consistency and accuracy of
detail.

Coverage - The work shows familiarity with the range of texts prescribed for
study and appropriate to the project.

Understanding of texts and arguments, shown sometimes by restating or
summarising them in the writer’s own terms, and sometimes by offering the writer’s
own views and applications of them.

Argumentation - The work presents the grounds of its understandings in
forms that allow the reader to engage with its claims.

Relevance to the topics under discussion is made clear in the presentation of
particular arguments and observations.

Expression is clear, and the writing is correct in its grammar, syntax and
spelling. Vocabulary is adequate to the needs of the discussion; the central terms are
used clearly and with consistency.

Organisation within the prescribed length and format is effective; the
presentation has an appreciable shape and development.

Scholarly presentation - The work is acceptable to the community of
scholarship. So that its data may be reliably checked its references are presented in a
consistent form. Sources are identified for all material used, whether through reference,
paraphrase, or direct quotation. Whenever material is quoted, quotation is
acknowledged in one of the received forms. (For details of scholarly conventions, see
‘guidelines for the writing of essays’ in this handbook.)
Satisfactory work meets these requirements and has only minor lapses. It is likely to be
awarded a mark in the mid-fifties. Work which is adequate in several of the above
respects, but weak or defective in some of them, or work which is partially satisfactory
but damaged by significant lapses, is marked on the scale which extends downwards
from the low fifties to a bare pass at forty per cent.
Good and very good work is awarded marks (in the high fifties to mid sixties) that
declare the extra range and individuality of its achievements. The qualities that carry it
beyond the scale of the satisfactory are most often those of thoroughness and
penetration in the grasp of the subject, with liveliness of expression and lucidity of
organisation. Clarity is attained while more complex approaches to the topic are
embraced and a more ambitious range of material is brought under discussion.
Intellectual skill is shown in comparing and co-ordinating disparate sources.
Excellence is recognised when work meets the above criteria fully but surpasses them
so as to display remarkable strengths in terms of industry and insight, and distinguished
skills in argument and expression. (The grades run from the high sixties to the
seventies.) Some aspects of excellence can be further specified in relation to the criteria
stated above:

Coverage becomes enterprise in going beyond the prescribed texts or
previously explored instances to discover new material, or new relevance in familiar
73
material. The work has taken on a research dimension in which initiative and
imagination are combined with discipline and a consciously systematic investigation.

Comprehension is developed so that the work makes individual use of the
concepts and arguments derived from the scholarly literature. It shows command of
the topics by its shrewd location and negotiation of conflicting positions; its choice and
development of examples shows the sharpness of its insight. It demonstrates an
awareness of the wider consequences of its own choices in interpretation and
evaluation.

The argumentation remains clear and plausible but also achieves originality
through the vigour in its exploration of texts and topics. The work shows a grasp of the
interest of problems, an awareness of the range of ways in which its issues might be
negotiated, and both an ability to identify and a readiness to confront instances and
arguments that may pose difficulties for its own approaches.

Correctness of expression gives way to eloquence. The critical vocabulary is
wide, varied and precisely nuanced. A balance is achieved between clarity and force on
the one hand and complexity, roundedness on the other. Concepts are presented and
ideas are expressed as plainly as their depth allows.
Numerical grades
Evidently the above qualities are attained to differing degrees. Some work submitted
for assessment has all the above strengths and no significant weaknesses; it makes a
distinctive contribution to our fields of scholarship. More often excellent work shows
particularly fine quality in some rather than all of the above respects, and a judgement
has to be made of the relative weight of its most and least impressive aspects. It is in
order to lessen the risk of arbitrariness in making these assessments that the final
determination of all grades is made through the system of double marking and the
consensus reached at the examination boards with the assistance of external examiners.
A numerical grade is necessarily a blunt way of stating the outcome of the process of
judgement, and of relating very different achievements to one another qualitatively.
One essay might be awarded a mark of 65% because its generally competent discussion,
with no serious defects, is enlivened by passages of particularly stimulating insight;
another might receive the same mark in recognition of a strikingly original approach
with minor flaws or with passages of clumsy argument. The percentage mark represents
an attempt, guided by experience and consultation, to aggregate the merits and
weaknesses of your work in fair comparison with the achievements of others. In this
respect it mirrors the aggregation of marks from different sources that yields the overall
result for a module, as well as the final classification of a degree.
The university does not allow students to challenge the academic judgement of the
examiners once a numerical grade has been given for a piece of work. The only ground
for any questioning of a grade is if there is evidence of irregularity in the procedures by
which the mark was determined. In your second and third years, all grades are advisory,
in that an external examiner can look at any work that may affect the outcome in a
borderline case, and may adjust the marks. It is open to external examiners to propose
higher or lower marks to the Examination Board.
The Department has agreed to follow the University’s Assessment Strategy, approved
by Senate on 29 January 2014, and is thus committed to:




encouraging the active engagement of students in their own learning;
supporting and facilitating assessment activities to improve students’ learning;
providing assessments that are accessible and inclusive;
ensuring that students receive timely, meaningful feedback to progress their
learning;
74



supporting departments and colleagues to enable them to develop innovative
assessment methods;
ensuring that assessment is linked to module and course level learning
outcomes;
providing assessment methods that take account of the skills and knowledge
valued by potential employers.
Assessment Aims






All students will engage with a range of relevant formative and summative
assessments, clearly linked to the module and course-level learning outcomes.
All assessment processes will be designed to be accessible and inclusive, and
aligned with the University’s Equal Opportunities Statement and all relevant
equality legislation.
Formative and summative assessment will be designed to enable students to
demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired at both module and
course level.
The feedback mechanisms in place will include guidance on how to improve
performance.
Assessment processes and outcomes will be designed to enhance students’
personal and professional development through the acquisition of skills.
All assessment processes will be designed to embody the underlying
principles of: reliability; validity; equity; timeliness; manageability; and
inclusivity.
75
APPENDIX 6
Sick Certification for Students
GP practices may be requested to issue a signed medical certificate (Appendix 1) for students
registered with their practice. The student must have seen the doctor or practice nurse during the period
of illness. The GP practice may charge the student for issuing a note. Notes are required in the
following circumstances:

the student is absent from formal examinations of the University because of illness

the student seeks an extension to a submission deadline for a piece of assessed work that
contributes to his/her final award or is absent from such an assessment due to illness
exceeding seven consecutive days

the student seeks an extension to a submission deadline for a piece of assessed work which
does not contribute to his/her final award due to significant illness exceeding seven
consecutive days. We need a written request from the student’s Tutor.

the student is absent from classes for an extended period due to illness and their Tutor requests
the doctor to provide a medical certificate. After the written request from the tutor normally
the certificate will be issued to the student and it will be his/her responsibility to send it on to
the tutor.

there may be occasions, due to repeated unexplained absences, in which the student is
required to submit a sick note if ill for shorter periods. The Tutor will be expected to request
such a certificate from the GP practice. After the written request from the tutor normally the
certificate will be issued to the student and it will be his/her responsibility to send it on to the
tutor.

when a student has been advised to withdraw from University on medical grounds
Self certification should be adequate in all other situations than those above, including short absences
from compulsory elements of the curriculum. This arrangement mirrors the system for persons in
employment. It is expected that Departments accept the verbal notification of sickness from a student
for up to three days, students provide a self certificate of illness for four to seven days of illness and a
doctor’s medical certificate is required for more than seven days of illness which prevents students
from attending lectures or carrying out course work or assignments.
If the University requires a self certificate of illness (see appendix 2) from a student, this form will
continue to be available to collect from Tutors / Departmental Heads / the Counselling service or the
University Health Centre. In due course it will also be available on the web site of the University of
Warwick Health Centre (http://www.uwhc.org.uk)/ This self certification will be the normal
process if classes are missed, extensions to deadlines for routine course work are requested by the
student or for other reasons for which the University require a medical note. The student completes the
form and gives it to the appropriate person at the University.
All certificates or letters are issued only with the consent of the patient. It is not possible for a
department to have any enquiries about a student answered unless the student gives informed
consent.
76
University of Warwick
Coventry CV4 7AL
CONFIDENTIAL
PLEASE USE BLOCK LETTERS
Medical Certificate for Conditions affecting Study and / or Examinations
Students whose studies/ examinations are adversely affected by any medical problem should ask the doctor whom they consult
to complete this medical certificate. Sections 1-3 should be completed by the student before giving it to the doctor. Sections 4
onwards, as appropriate, should be completed by the doctor. The doctor should attempt to quantify the likely effects of the
illness on the student’s work. All information given will be treated as confidential to the appropriate Board of Examiners and
will help the letter decide what compensation should be made in its assessment of the student’s performance.
1 PERSONAL DETAILS OF STUDENT
Full Name:
University Student Number:
Course:
Year of Study:
2 NATURE OF ABSENCE Please indicate the nature of absence to which this certificate relates:
- the title(s) and dates of any formal Written Examinations which have been
missed / affected:
- the title(s) of the assessment(s) missed or for which an extension to the
submission deadline is sought:
3 PERIOD OF SICKNESS
First day of sickness
Last day of sickness if known
NEXT SECTIONS TO BE COMPLETED BY THE DOCTOR:
4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF STUDENT’S MEDICAL PROBLEM:
5. PERIOD DURING WHICH THE STUDENT WAS OR IS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED:
From:
To:
6. In your opinion would the problem normally preclude
- attendance at a written or oral examination? Yes / No
- attendance at classes? Yes / No
7. If your answer to the previous question is no, please indicate (by ringing the appropriate entry) whether you consider the
student=s ability to study would likely to be:
a) seriously impaired b) somewhat impaired c) slightly impaired d) unimpaired
8. Date of consultation with Doctor / Practice Nurse
9. Any other comments:
Name of Doctor: ................................................................................
Signature: ................................................................................
Date: ..............................................
University of Warwick
Coventry CV4 7AL
77
Official stamp of Medical Practice:
CONFIDENTIAL
PERSONAL SICKNESS CERTIFICATE
PLEASE USE BLOCK LETTERS
1 PERSONAL DETAILS
Surname: ...........................................................................................................
First Name(s):..........................................................................................................
Course:……………………......................................................................................
Year of Study : ………………............. University Student Number ........................
2 NATURE OF ABSENCE
Please indicate the nature of absence because of illness to which this certificate relates:
Assessment other than
Formal Written
Examinations …………………….
Attendance at
Compulsory
Classes …………………………
Other
Absence
…………………
Please also specify where appropriate:

the title(s) of the assessment(s) missed or for which an extension to the submission deadline is sought:
..............................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................................

the title(s) and date(s) of any classes from which you have been absent
..............................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................................
3 PERIOD OF SICKNESS
From.......................................................... (First day of sickness)
To:........................................................ (Last day of sickness if known)
4 DETAILS OF SICKNESS/INJURY
I was unfit to attend University for the following reason(s):
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
5 DECLARATION
I declare that the information given above is factually correct.
Signature: ...........................................
Date .............................................
NB Any students found to have submitted false information on this form or in connection with the self certification
process may be subject to the University Disciplinary Procedures.
THIS FORM SHOULD BE COMPLETED ON THE FIRST DAY THAT YOU RETURN TO UNIVERSITY AND
SUBMITTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE.
78
APPENDIX 7
UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
DEPARTMENT OF FILM AND TELEVISION STUDIES
ASSESSED WORK COVER SHEET
Please check that you have followed these rules of presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.








You have submitted TWO copies
Essay is double spaced
Page numbers
At least 12 point font
Bibliography
Filmography
References
Your essay has been proof-read
Student ID No.:________________________________________
Degree Course________________________ Year____________
Title of Module ________________________________________
Seminar Tutor’s Name___________________________________
Short Title of Essay_____________________________________
Length of Essay as set _______________ words
Length submitted____________________ words
I am aware of the note on plagiarism in the Department handbooks and of
Regulation 11B in the University Calendar concerning cheating in a university
test. The attached work, submitted for a university test, is my own.
Student Signature _______________________ Date_________
This form must be securely attached to your essay
79
APPENDIX 8
MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
The two tables below provide more detailed guidance on, and examples of, types
of circumstance which are normally considered eligible (Table 1) and types which
are not normally eligible (Table 2). They accompany the general information to be
found on pp. 8-9 of the handbook.
Table 1: Circumstances normally eligible for consideration
Circumstance
Examples
Serious illness
or accident of
the
student
(physical
or
mental health)
Illness, accident or severe
trauma at the time of an
assessment,
or
during
preparation for it earlier in
the academic year. It should
be a serious illness or an
unanticipated deterioration
in an ongoing illness or
chronic medical condition. It
can also be an assault of
which the student is victim.
Bereavement at assessment
time or in preparation for it
earlier in the academic year.
‘Someone close’ can mean
parents
or
guardians,
children, siblings, a spouse
or partner. It may include
friends,
in-laws,
grandparents
and
grandchildren, if it can be
demonstrated that the
relationship was close.
Issue arising at assessment
time or in preparation for it
earlier in the academic year.
‘Someone close’ can mean
parents
or
guardians,
children, siblings, a spouse
or partner. It may include
friends,
in-laws,
grandparents
and
grandchildren if it can be
demonstrated that the
relationship was close.
Divorce; fire or burglary; the
requirement to appear in
Court at or near the time of
the relevant assessment;
acute
accommodation
issues;
serious
and
unforeseeable
transport
disruptions (for example
road closure due to fatal
road traffic accident)
For part-time students only.
Bereavement
of
someone
close to the
student
Serious illness
or accident of
someone close
to the student
(mental
or
physical
health)
Abrupt change
in
personal
circumstances
of the student
or
other
serious
unforeseen
event
Significant
change
in
employment
80
Supporting
Documentation
Doctor’s note or letter
confirming the illness
or
accident
and
attesting to its impact
on the student.* If you
are a victim of an
assault, you should
provide
a
crime
number or Police
report.
Sources of support
you can access
 GP or hospital
 Personal Tutor
 Student Support
 SU Advice Centre
Copy of the death
certificate
and
evidence of closeness
(e.g. statement from
Personal
Tutor,
Student Support or
counsellor*).




Doctor’s note or letter
confirming the illness
or accident* and
statement
by
Personal Tutor or
Student
Support
attesting to closeness
and impact on the
student.




Statement
by
Personal Tutor or
Student
Support
and/or copies of
relevant
documentation (e.g.
Court summons).





GP or hospital
Personal Tutor
Student Support
University
Counselling
Service
SU Advice Centre
Copy of letter from
employer
and
statement attesting to



Personal Tutor
Student Support
SU Advice Centre


GP or hospital
Personal Tutor
Student Support
University
Counselling
Service
SU Advice Centre
GP or hospital
Personal Tutor
Student Support
University
Counselling
Service
SU Advice Centre
Circumstance
circumstances
beyond
control
of
student
affected
Diagnosis
of
Specific
Learning
Difference
Deterioration
of a permanent
condition you
have already
told us about
(physical
or
mental health)
Bullying,
harassment,
victimisation
or threatening
behaviour
Examples
Supporting
Documentation
impact on student by
Personal Tutor or
Student Support.
Sources of support
you can access
Only
eligible
when
diagnosis is obtained too
late
for
reasonable
adjustments to be made by
way of Special Exam
Arrangements or in other
ways.
Copy of diagnosis
letter
and
confirmation
from
Department that it
was submitted too
late for reasonable
adjustments to be
made in other ways.
Copy of letter from
Disability
Services,
Student Support, GP
or consultant or
counsellor.*




Personal Tutor
Student Support
Disability
Services
SU Advice Centre
Report from Personal
Tutor or Student
Support Services.
Copies of emails or
screenshots
from
social
media
platforms or other
communications or
police report.




Personal Tutor
SU Advice Centre
Student Support
campus police
Where this permanent
condition has already been
adequately adjusted for
through
Special
Exam
arrangements or other
reasonable
adjustments
only
the
deterioration
counts as a Mitigating
Circumstance.
Only eligible if student is
victim or alleged victim.




Personal Tutor
Student Support
Disability
Services
SU Advice Centre
* Where your Mitigating Circumstances relate to physical or mental health
conditions or issues for which you have sought support you should provide
documentation from a medical practitioner or a practitioner who is registered with
an appropriate professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and
Psychotherapy, the UK Council for Psychotherapy, the British Psychological Society,
or an appropriately qualified Student Support professional. Medical practitioners in
the UK should be members of a recognised professional body such as the General
Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Chiropractic Council,
General Dental Council, General Optical Council, General Osteopathic Council,
General Pharmaceutical Council, Health Professions Council or Pharmaceutical
Society of Northern Ireland. If you have sought medical attention abroad the
certificator must be licensed to practise in the country in question. If the letter or
note is in a language other than English you must provide both a copy of the original
note and a certified translation into English. The University may seek to verify the
accuracy of the translation provided.
81
Table 2: Circumstances not normally eligible for consideration
Circumstance
A
permanent
condition which you
have already told us
about unless you can
provide appropriate
evidence that there
has been a worsening
of your condition
during
the
assessment
period
(see Table 1).
Examples
An ongoing mental or physical health
condition, or Specific Learning
Difference or disability. You should
tell the University, (Disability
Services) and your Personal Tutor
about any disability, Specific Learning
Difference, or ongoing mental or
physical health condition as soon as
possible in your University career so
that appropriate adjustments can be
made to support you. If in doubt speak
to your Personal Tutor.
Sources of support
 GP or hospital
 Personal Tutor
 Student Support
 Disability Services
 SU Advice Centre
Minor illnesses
ailments
Aches and pains, colds, sore throats
and coughs where these are not
symptoms of a more serious medical
condition. However, if you feel that
your ailments are impacting on your
ability to study you should seek medical
attention and notify your Personal
Tutor.
Exams
and
other
University
assessments are tests of your
performance and inevitably involve a
certain amount of stress. Having
feelings of stress or worry at such
times does not necessarily mean you
are unwell or have an eligible
Mitigating Circumstance. However, if
you experience a more acute form of
anxiety (a ‘panic attack’ or ‘anxiety
attack’) it may be eligible and you
should seek medical or professional
attention, as well as notify your
Personal Tutor.




GP or hospital
Personal Tutor
Student Support
SU Advice Centre





GP or hospital
Student Support (Mental
Health and Wellbeing
Team, in particular
Wellbeing Drop-in)
Student Careers and
Skills
Personal Tutor
University Library
SU Advice Centre
Failure to keep adequate back-ups;
computer ‘crash’. However, theft of
computer equipment may be eligible if
you have reported it to the police and
can provide a crime number.
Essay deadlines falling on the same
day or in close proximity. However,
this may be eligible as an aggravating
factor if you also have a diagnosis of a
relevant medical condition (see Table 1,
above).
Holidays, weddings, rites of passage
ceremonies whether religious or
secular, sporting fixtures or training in
preparation for them and other
similarly foreseeable events.
Hangovers; ill-effects from the use of
recreational
or
performanceenhancing drugs, whether legal (e.g.
caffeine, energy drinks) or illegal. If in
doubt please consult one of the
sources of support in the box
immediately to the right.


Personal Tutor
IT Services




GP or hospital
Personal Tutor
Student Support
SU Advice Centre




GP or hospital
Personal Tutor
Student Support
SU Advice Centre
Examination
and worry
or
stress
Computer, printer or
other IT failure
Pressure of academic
workload
Non-academic
activities
and
foreseeable events
Temporary
selfinduced conditions
82

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
CONFIDENTIAL
MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES DECLARATION FORM
FULL NAME:
STUDENT
NUMBER:
COURSE:
DEPARTMENT:
STAGE
OF
FOUNDATION / PRE-SESSIONAL / 1ST YEAR / 2ND YEAR / 3RD YEAR / 4TH
STUDY (Please
YEAR/ POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT
circle)
MODE
OF
STUDY (please Full time/Part-time/Distance Learning/Other
circle)
This form should be completed if you want to make the University aware of any mitigating
circumstances which you believe may have adversely affected your performance either during
the year or in the examinations. Please read the University Mitigating Circumstances
guidance before completing the sections which apply to you. Please refer to Departmental
Guidance for details of deadlines and where to submit your form.
a)
Please state the type of mitigation you are presenting (you may tick more than one
box, and if “other”, please provide details):
Serious accident or illness
Bereavement
Serious accident or illness of someone close
Abrupt change in personal circumstances
Significant
changes
in
employment
circumstances (part-time students only)
Deterioration of a permanent condition
Late diagnosis of a specific learning
difference
Suffered bullying, harassment, victimization
or threatening behaviour
Other (please give details):
b)
Please state the length of time/period affected (giving dates), and details of any
assessments affected:
Period
affected
(please give start
and end date)
Start date:
End date:
c)
Assessment(s) affected
(including details of any deadline dates and examination dates)
Please provide further details of the mitigating circumstances and how they
have affected your assessments:
83
d)
Please indicate who you have contacted in relation to your mitigating
circumstances (please tick more than one box if applicable and if “other”
please provide further details):
Departmental Senior Tutor
University Senior Tutor
Student Support Services
Students’ Union Advice Centre
Other:
e)
f)
Doctor
Personal Tutor
Residential Support
University Counselling Services
Please give details of the evidence of your mitigating circumstances which you
are providing with this form:
Please give details of any evidence which is currently outstanding, that you
will provide to support your request, noting that this should be submitted
before any deadlines notified to you by your department (see below).
I confirm that the information I have given is true and that I have read and
understood the University Guidance on mitigating circumstances.
SIGNED:
DATED:
Please return a signed copy of this form and all supporting documentation to your
Department no later than 5 working days in advance of the Mitigating Circumstances
panel/pre-board meeting in your Department. The final deadline dates are given below:
First year students: Tuesday of week 8, 14th June 2016.
Second year students: Tuesday of week 10, 28th June 2016.
Third year students: Wednesday of week 9, 22nd June 2016.
Forms will not be accepted after the deadline unless there are exceptional reasons.
Please note that the information you provide will be reviewed by the departmental mitigating circumstances
pre-board in order to make a recommendation to the Board of Examiners about your case. The University will
keep your full student record for six years after the end of the academic year in which you graduate from, other
otherwise leave the University. After six years, the University will retain only the data necessary to identify you
and confirm the dates you studied at the University, the degree and classification you were awarded and a
transcript of your marks. All other personal data on your student record will be disposed of in a secure manner.
84