BA Drama and Film Studies
Academic Year 2018/19
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
Programme Title |
BA Drama and Film Studies |
Final Award |
Bachelor of Arts |
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Programme Code |
DRA-BA-JS |
UCAS Code |
WW46 |
HECoS Code |
100069 |
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ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
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Mode of Study |
Full Time |
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Type of Programme |
Joint Honours Single |
Length of Programme |
3 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
120 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Arts, English and Languages |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 6 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Communication, media, film and cultural studies (2008) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
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REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
Programme Specific Regulations Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (eg illness of a member of staff). The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students' choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints. |
Students with protected characteristics N/A |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
The Joint Programme in Drama and Film Studies is designed to provide students with:
* An intellectual training in the separate and overlapping disciplines of Drama and Film Studies which, while discrete subjects, are also complementary and mutually enriching;
* A discipline-specific perspective enabling the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the inter-relationship between texts and contexts, a familiarity with debates surrounding culture and identity, both individual and communal, and skills in synthesising and developing ideas and arguments from diverse literary, performative, contemporary sources and visual literacy;
* A range of skills, which together foster the ability to practise self-motivated learning and increase the capacity to undertake independent learning in a progressive way.
Together, these subjects equip individuals with the ability to:
* Think critically, process and understand complex information and to present it in a variety of written and oral forms, including through performance;
* Evaluate primary and secondary sources;
* Interpret a variety of types of data and information;
* Pursue independent learning;
* Work well in groups and formulate arguments.
Furthermore, students benefit from a multi-disciplinary education, which gives them a large skill set and opens a wide range of career options following graduation.
The curricula will be delivered in accordance with the national Drama and Film Studies benchmarking statements, which reflect the chronological, cultural, and generic diversity of Film critical theory, drawing, where applicable, on the unique character of Northern Ireland, and taking advantage of a variety of critical and pedagogical approaches.
More generally, the Joint Programme in Drama and Film Studies aims to:
* Attract students from local, national, and international contexts, through a variety of entry routes, and deliver the best possible learning and teaching experience in an environment of equality, tolerance, and mutual respect;
* Provide students with the necessary intellectual, practical, and key skills to enable them to develop as independent, reflective lifelong learners and able employees;
* Develop a broad context for future employment, in which graduates appreciate the continuing value of an education in these two disciplines.
The programme will thereby foster an atmosphere of intellectual inquiry in each discipline, by offering modules, which encourage a stimulating interchange of ideas.
• An intellectual training in the separate and overlapping disciplines of Drama and Film Studies which, while discrete subjects, are also complementary and mutually enriching;
• A discipline-specific perspective enabling the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the inter-relationship between texts and contexts, a familiarity with debates surrounding culture and identity, both individual and communal, and skills in synthesising and developing ideas and arguments from diverse literary, performative, contemporary sources and visual literacy;
• A range of skills, which together foster the ability to practise self-motivated learning and increase the capacity to undertake independent learning in a progressive way.
Together, these subjects equip individuals with the ability to:
• Think critically, process and understand complex information and to present it in a variety of written and oral forms, including through performance
• Evaluate primary and secondary sources;
• Interpret a variety of types of data and information;
• Pursue independent learning;
• Work well in groups and formulate arguments.
Furthermore, students benefit from a multi-disciplinary education, which gives them a large skill set and opens a wide range of career options following graduation.
The curricula will be delivered in accordance with the national Drama and Film Studies benchmarking statements, which reflect the chronological, cultural, and generic diversity of Film critical theory, drawing, where applicable, on the unique character of Northern Ireland, and taking advantage of a variety of critical and pedagogical approaches.
More generally, the Joint Programme in Drama and Film Studies aims to:
• Attract students from local, national, and international contexts, through a variety of entry routes, and deliver the best possible learning and teaching experience in an environment of equality, tolerance, and mutual respect;
• Provide students with the necessary intellectual, practical, and key skills to enable them to develop as independent, reflective lifelong learners and able employees;
• Develop a broad context for future employment, in which graduates appreciate the continuing value of an education in these two disciplines.
The programme will thereby foster an atmosphere of intellectual inquiry in each discipline, by offering modules, which encourage a stimulating interchange of ideas.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate critical awareness of the main research methods used to collect and analyse data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific teaching methods include tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study Methods of Assessment Essays submitted to a deadline |
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Understand the interplay between practice and theory in the discipline |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Resource-based learning, including library work and attendance at performances, workshops and rehearsals Methods of Assessment Individual presentations |
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Analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse and their effects on representation in the arts, media and public life |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific teaching methods include tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study Methods of Assessment Individual interviews and essays |
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Think reflexively and independently |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Classroom discussion and online interactions Methods of Assessment Edited commentaries on learning logs |
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Understand group dynamics and implement them in practical contexts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group work in performance and classroom presentations Methods of Assessment Assessed group presentations and performances |
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Engage with and interpret layers of meaning within film and critical texts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies A sensitivity to layers of meaning within film and related critical texts is developed in all Film Studies modules. Discussion in class is devoted to interpreting and analysis of image making strategies in relation to their aesthetic and formal qualities, historical and cultural contexts, and implications for practical work. Methods of Assessment Written exercises, both formative and summative, such as long and short essays. |
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Contextualise from a variety of perspectives |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Screenings of film work and independent research on film history. Methods of Assessment Written exercises, both formative and summative, such as long and short essays, segmental analysis, log-books and/or other exercises test the students’ ability to engage with, interpret, and contextualise image making strategies and critical content. |
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Demonstrate a capacity for critical reflection and judgment in the light of evidence and argument |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies In many modules, students give informal presentations on specific films, film segments, and key concepts within Film Studies. Moreover, they are encouraged to refer to films and film scholarship in order to form their own judgment and evaluation of the film or critical concept in question. Methods of Assessment Written exercises, both formative and summative, such as long and short essays, segmental analysis, log-books and/or other exercises test the students’ ability to engage with, interpret, and contextualise image making strategies and critical content. |
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Work autonomously, manifested in self-direction, objective-setting, prioritising, self-discipline and time management |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students are given a number of deadlines to which they are expected to work; thereby, they learn to prioritise assignments and projects, objectives, and activities generally. Methods of Assessment Working to deadlines to produce new written and practical film work. |
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Understand complex tasks and present appropriate solutions in written, oral and visual form |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies These skills are introduced in the first year of study, nurtured and commented upon at meetings with the students’ tutor, with guidance as to the direction of their studies and with a view to increasing the amount of autonomous learning, which the student undertakes. Advisers of Studies also contribute to this process, though in a more general fashion, in the wider context of the subject and in the sense in which it forms a component of the degree pathways followed by the student. Methods of Assessment In class presentation; production of Film Work in various forms; in class critiques and formative feedback sessions. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate critical, analytical and physical skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific teaching methods include tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study Methods of Assessment Essays submitted to a deadline |
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Demonstrate creative and imaginative skills as shown through the realisation of practical research projects |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Resource-based learning, including library work and attendance at performances Methods of Assessment Continuously assessed group presentations |
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Communicate in a variety of oral, written, visual and performance media |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Online teaching methods Methods of Assessment Summative group presentations |
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Sustain concentration and focus for extended periods |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Workshops and rehearsals Methods of Assessment Individual presentations |
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Show an awareness of inter-disciplinary approaches to study, and the capacity to engage with different theories or paradigms of knowledge |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Contact with working professionals in all relevant specialisms (eg actors, director, designers, lighting designers, critics) Methods of Assessment Individual interviews |
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Develop ideas and construct arguments and present them in appropriate ways |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practical performance, participation as appropriate in the process from initial research to engagement with an audience Methods of Assessment Scene-work and performance |
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Handle creative, personal and interpersonal issues |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group work in performance and classroom presentations Methods of Assessment Participation and engagement |
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Negotiate and pursue goals with others |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group work in performance and classroom presentations work in particular promotes good communication and team building skills. Working creatively, students have to create new and original work Methods of Assessment Assessed group presentations and performances |
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Manage personal workloads and meet deadlines |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Assigned essays and presentations with hard deadlines Methods of Assessment Assigned essays and presentations with hard deadlines |
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Produce written work with appropriate conventions |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Essays marked for grammar, presentation and content Methods of Assessment Essays submitted to a deadline |
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Demonstrate information retrieval skills, involving the ability to gather, sift, synthesise and organise material independently and critically evaluate its significance |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Assigned essays and presentations Methods of Assessment Assigned essays and presentations |
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Demonstrate information technology skills such as word processing, electronic mail, and accessing electronic data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Assigned essays and presentations, interactive internet forums with required student interaction, communication with lecturer and other students Methods of Assessment Assigned essays and presentations, marked contributions to internet forums |
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Present knowledge and demonstrate expertise in a coherent, effective and meaningful form |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Individual and group presentations; seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information. Methods of Assessment Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic. |
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Use libraries and online resources |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies In the first year, students are introduced to the Main Library and given a tour of the stacks. There are introductory sessions on how to use the Library’s online catalogues. Students’ use of online resources is currently being developed, as are the resources themselves. Methods of Assessment Writing skills tutorials and lectures develop essay-writing on stylistic, rhetorical and bibliographical levels. The ability to source and collate information is assessed through the marking system for essays written as coursework. |
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Write and think effectively under pressure and meet deadlines |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The modules are in general demanding, and students learn early on how to write and think under pressure, as well as how to meet deadlines. Guidance is given in the form of advice in tutorial meetings, and also on an ad hoc basis in the classes, where the tutor responds to individual as well as collective requests for guidance and advice. Methods of Assessment Assessment is by a variety of traditional and innovative methods, including timed unseen written examinations, data analysis, essays, critical book/article reviews, portfolios, individual and group presentations, and seminar and tutorial reports and contributions. Assessment methods vary in accordance with the specific learning outcomes of particular modules as detailed below and as set out in the individual module descriptions |
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Communicate and interact effectively |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The core activity of film production in all its forms requires teamwork and good communication skills. Methods of Assessment Working in groups and following the production cycle of making a film. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a wide knowledge and understanding of local and international drama and theatre practice and the cultures and societies from which this has arisen, including an understanding of: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials Methods of Assessment Essays submitted to a deadline |
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Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of contemporary technologies and their relationship to drama, theatre, performance, and academic research. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Resource-based learning, including library work, DVD and other recordings Methods of Assessment Individual presentations and marked essays |
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Demonstrate an understanding of how to analyse and discuss the conventions and practices involved in producing and performing dramatic work on stage |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Attendance at performances Methods of Assessment Individual Interviews and marked essays |
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Understand the aesthetic and formal qualities of film and visual art and their relation to meanings in particular cultural forms and contexts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, screenings, seminars, practical workshops; tutorials, group and individual project work, open and resource-based learning, multi-media and new media learning. Methods of Assessment Assessment methods in the programme aim to encourage the following: |
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Demonstrate an insight into the cultural and social ways in which aesthetic judgements are constructed and aesthetic processes experienced |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Large and small group and individual learning and teaching situations; tutor-led, student-led and independent learning sessions. Methods of Assessment Assigned written essays. |
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Show an awareness of a wide range of visual techniques, cultures and modes of reception |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme’s learning and teaching strategies are designed to consolidate and enhance the following skills; subject-knowledge acquisition, analysis and critical evaluation; use of a range of technology systems for accessing resources, literature, and for the acquisition of production skills. Methods of Assessment Practice classes use a range of assessments which include but are not limited to short film production, documentary film, experimental film, video essays, editing projects, screenwriting, cinematography exercises and other forms of moving image media outputs. |
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Understand the visual, verbal and audio conventions through which images, words and sounds make meaning in film |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge and understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars (many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as handouts, and key readings available online through Queen’s Online) and through the assessment and feedback process. Methods of Assessment A range of assessment methods ensures that these skills are evaluated in different ways. |
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Demonstrate an understanding of professional practices and traditions, and of the possibilities and constraints involved in film and visual art processes |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies A substantial aspect of the learning in Film Studies is through practical work. The experiential learning involved with film production has a number of core benefits. These include the development of realistic and pragmatic understandings of the challenges involved with film production. The ability to develop crucial technical skills to empower creativity; a profound and thorough understanding of the parlance of production, which leads to greater insight and ability to articulate craft processes and action in close analysis and lastly these skills enhance employability. Methods of Assessment Screening and exhibition of film outputs. The production of short film and documentary to a high level. Completion of technical training in non-linear editing. Screenwriting and project development skills. Pitching and conveying creative projects to assessed panels and in presentations. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a high level of specific skills including the reading of written texts and how to effect transitions from page to stage |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study Methods of Assessment Continuously assessed group presentations |
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Engage critically with creative practitioners, theorists, and be able to debate and apply these strategies within a subject discourse |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, screenings, seminars, practical workshops; tutorials, group and individual project work, open and resource-based learning, multi-media and new media learning. Methods of Assessment Assessment methods in the programme aim to encourage the following: |
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Understand film forms and their historical precedents |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Large and small group and individual learning and teaching situations; tutor-led, student-led and independent learning sessions. Methods of Assessment Assessment is by a variety of traditional and innovative methods, including timed unseen written examinations, data analysis, essays, critical film/article reviews, portfolios, individual and group presentations, and seminar and tutorial reports and contributions. |
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Analyse, interpret, and exercise critical judgement in the understanding of the subject area studied |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme’s learning and teaching strategies are designed to consolidate and enhance the following skills; subject-knowledge acquisition, analysis and critical evaluation; use of a range of technology systems for accessing resources, literature, and for the acquisition of production skills. Methods of Assessment Essays and exercises; examinations; individual presentations (both oral and technology-based); logbooks and/or portfolios; research exercises; critical self-evaluation; creative practice within both an individual and group context; tasks aimed at the assessment of film making skills. |
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Put to use a range of IT skills from basic competences such as word processing to more complex skills using multimedia, and develop proficiencies in utilising a range of image making technologies |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Industry standard software instruction is embedding in coursework. This empowers students to take external examinations in video and audio editing to an advanced level in film and television. Methods of Assessment Video essay and editing exams, Editing of film projects, documentaries. Advanced post production techniques such as picture grading and colour management softwares. |
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Read, analyse, document and/or interpret performance |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Online teaching methods Methods of Assessment Scene-work and performance |
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Demonstrate the performance and production skills necessary to communicate to/with an audience |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Workshops and rehearsals Methods of Assessment Participation and engagement |
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Participate in group processes in the creation of original work |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Contact with working professionals in all relevant specialisms (eg actors, director, designers, lighting designers, critics) Methods of Assessment Edited commentaries on learning logs |
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Understand the interplay between the performers’ conscious and subconscious resources in the realisation of performance |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Assigned readings for classroom discussion Methods of Assessment Contributions to learning logs and online forums; assessed essays |
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Understand processes by which performance is created, realised, and managed, such as the processes of rehearsal, writing, scoring, devising, scenography, improvisation, choreography, performer training techniques, and production arts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Workshops and rehearsals; performances Methods of Assessment Assessed performances |
MODULE INFORMATION
Stages and Modules
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability | Duration |
Pre-requisite |
Assessment | |||||
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| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Film Authorship | FLM3007 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Dissertation | DRA3025 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
| Postconflict Drama: Performing the NI Peace Process | DRA3042 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Theory and Practice of Adaptation | DRA3056 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Drama, Health and Social Care | DRA3057 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
| Film and Music: Theory and Criticism | FLM3024 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Dance Theatre | DRA3060 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Cinema and Postmodernism | FLM3031 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| The Theatre of Brian Friel | DRA3010 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Performing the Classics | DRA3061 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Work-based Learning | AEL3001 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Notes
Level 3: Students take any three DRA/AEL modules and any three FLM modules at L3, provided that they balance their workload across the year.