MI6007 - Cult Film and Television

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn to understand how the term ‘cult’ has been applied to film and television programmes in different ways, and how the concept has developed across history. The module will enable you to critically examine the ways that cult has been theorised both in relation to films and television programmes, and some of the key differences between cult television and cult film. You will understand how cult can be applied to both films, the reception of films, as well as how it has increasingly infiltrated marketing discourses. Case studies on the module include midnight movies, authorship and cult, fandom, telefantasy, censorship and controversy, exploitation cinema and global cult cinema.

How will I learn on this module?

This module is taught by, two-hour lectures, one-hour seminars which take place weekly, and occasional tutorials . Students are required to watch a film in advance of each class: online links (to sources such as Box of Broadcasts) will be made accessible via the Blackboard site; the film will be appropriate to the topic of the seminar and provide the main case-study for analysis. Lectures will introduce students to the key historical, critical and theoretical issues relating to the subject, illustrated by relevant clips. Seminars will offer opportunities for students to discuss issues raised by the week’s lecture, in relation to the indicated film and assigned reading. . Students are expected to prepare for classes by studying books, articles, films and Internet sources, references to which are provided by the module guide, e-reading list, and supplementary material posted on the e-learning portal. They are also encouraged to develop communication skills by taking an active part in seminar discussions. Tutorials will offer students support with specific issues, in particular in relation to the assessment for the module, and may also be used to give feedback on assessed work.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Seminar will involve group discussions with the tutor and fellow students, providing a constructive environment for the enhancement of knowledge and understanding of the subject, preparation for the assessment tasks, and the development of communication skills. Class material (such as Powerpoint slides, links to film clips and discussion points) will be accessible via the e-Learning portal, along with supplementary learning material (which may include web links, suggestions for further viewing and reading). A list of key and further reading material will be available on the eLP, and an electronic reading list will link you directly to key sources, allowing you to access them anytime and anywhere. The module will also incorporate assessment preparation sessions, with advice on how to approach the essay task. Furthermore, the module tutor will offer set office hours for academic support.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Knowledge and understanding of the field through the study of both texts and the contexts of reception.
• Ability to critically examine the debates surrounding cult cinema and the methods used to analyse this field.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• The ability to evaluate a range of theoretical work on cult cinema.
• Demonstrate analytical and communication abilities through verbal and written means.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Ability to engage with the ethical implications of some controversial productions.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment strategy for this module is to encourage students to develop a critically and contextually informed understanding of
cult cinema. The essay (3000 words) tests the ability of students to deploy relevant critical material within a detailed analysis of a single film or small group of films. Students are able to choose a question from a list given by the tutor. The task addresses the MLOs that test: knowledge of the texts and contexts of receptions, knowledge of the critical debates around cult cinema, the evaluation of theoretical writing on cult cinema, and the demonstration of analytical and communication abilities in written form.


Submission and receipt of feedback is via Turnitin.
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Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code T720

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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