Movies and Meaning: Looking at 21st Century Cinema (Online)

This course celebrates the pleasure of watching, discussing, and thinking deeply about films. Through viewing and group discussion, you will develop ways of understanding how contemporary cinema is made and how meaning is created.

Each week we will focus on a film and examine it through its visual language, storytelling, themes, and cultural context. We will consider a selection of lesser-known titles, alongside more familiar films, from a fresh and sometimes unexpected perspectives.

You can see the films that will be discussed in this iteration of the course here.

Rather than requiring technical knowledge or expertise, this course encourages curiosity, attentive viewing, and open discussion. By the end of the course, you will have gained a richer appreciation of film as an art form and shared cultural experience.

Any essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Discuss film related ideas with confidence in a classroom environment;
• Understand selected aspects of film theory and practice;
• Demonstrate a better understanding of film aesthetics.

No experience required, although we recommend you watch the films in advance of the course starting.

Learners will need to be able to confidently use videoconferencing software and be comfortable with using websites.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy. 

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.

You will need to be able to confidently use videoconferencing software and be comfortable with using websites.

You will need to have reading, listening, and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.