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Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Freshman years
Courses taught during the Junior and Senior Freshman
(first two) years may include:
n
Film theory and criticism 1 and 2
These modules begin by studying the evolution of film as a
visual language with its own specific codes and conventions.
In the second-year students will build upon the issues raised
by Film theory and criticism 1 and further strengthen their
engagement with the subject by examining the various
approaches to reading, understanding and evaluating
films that have developed over the course of film history.
n
American cinema from the 1890s to the 1960s
This module introduces aspects of American cinema in the
first half of the 20th century by considering classical narrative
structures, important industrial developments and key
generic texts. The second part of this module introduces the
student to influential examples of film criticism that American
films from this period have generated. Film genres examined
may include the Western, the melodrama, the musical, the
gangster film and science fiction films of the 1950s.
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European and world cinemas
These modules serve as an introduction to a variety of
national cinemas from around the world. They will examine
the relationship between nations and the cinemas that they
produce, or through which their national identities, societies
and cultures are projected. In their second year of the
degree, students will be given the opportunity for a more
detailed consideration of some of the issues raised.
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Cinema and Ireland
This module moves from the earliest films made about
Ireland, through issues of production, representation,
and censorship, up to recent Irish filmmaking.
There are six hours of classes and six hours of screenings
per week.
The Sophister years
In the final two years of the degree course students can
choose from the wide range of optional modules available
to them. Topics covered may include aspects of Hollywood
cinema, avant-garde and experimental cinema, documentary
film, European cinemas, world cinemas, genre studies, gender
and film, film theory and criticism, film style and performance,
digital filmmaking, editing and other aspects of film practice. In
addition, all Junior Sophister (third year) students are introduced
to the principles of script-writing and digital video production.
Assessment
Film studies is assessed by coursework and examinations. In
the Freshman years, students will also be assessed on class
presentations.
Career opportunities
A degree in Film studies offers career opportunities in many
areas such as the film industry; television; journalism; digital
media; film reviewing and criticism; arts administration;
advertising; marketing. Recent graduates of Film studies at TCD
have gone on to be involved in the film industry in a number of
ways, from directing feature length films to editing, scriptwriting,
production and administration. A number of our graduates have
gone on to further study in film and associated areas. This
degree also offers opportunities in the many general areas open
to arts graduates, such as administration, teaching, civil and
public service, etc.
Further information
www.tcd.ie/film
Tel: +353 1 896 2617
E-mail:
filmstds@tcd.ie
Filmmaker-in-residence, Lenny Abrahamson, on the set of
Garage. The Department of Film Studies will hold a number
of workshops with Lenny Abrahamson during the year.