Introduction to the World Film History and Theory I (KSK_099)
About Study Course
Objective
To familiarise students with foundations and main directions of world cinematic art history and theory to ensure extension of the general humanistic outlook of students, as well as to familiarise with basic principles, functions and most important stylistic directions of language, as well as domineering theoretical concepts of the means of mass communication – cinema. The knowledge obtained during the course will deepen understanding of the modern history of communication and media, as well as its importance in the context of the development of European and world culture.
Within the scope of the course students will learn stages of development of the world cinematic art (1895–1950), most important turning-points – the emergence of films, film as an art and industry, creation of film audiences, development of film language and narrative, film realism and its alternatives. Students will be familiarised with the most excellent examples of cinematic art – short films by Lumière brothers and G. Méliès, the feature-length movie “Intolerance” by D.W. Griffith, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” by R. Wiene, “Nosferatu” by F.W. Murnau, “Casablanca” by M.Curtiz, works of S.Eisenstein and O.Welles, which characterise the development of film history, as well as will get understanding about the development of film language and its effects on the modern audio-visual communication space.
Prerequisites
Not necessary.
Learning outcomes
As a result of mastering the course students:
• Recognise and understand main stages of development and stylistic directions of cinematic art (until 1940s–1950s).
• Analyse the interaction between cinematic art and development of society.
• Name and characterise the most important directions of cinematic art, as well as theoretical analysis approaches.
• Understand the principles of formation of film language and its use in different periods of time and in traditions of different national schools.
As a result of mastering the course students:
• Recognise different cinematic art schools.
• Evaluate the impact of cinematic art on modern mass media.
• Analyse film authors and examples of cinematic art.
• Interpret the impact of cinematic art on public communication.
• Use cinematic art message approaches in multimedia communication.
As a result of mastering the course students:
• Evaluate audio-visual works in films, which developed in different periods of time.
• Able to recognise different uses of film language.
• Able to orient in classical principles of film language, as well as in alternative use of modernism principles.
• Understand the main development stages of cinematic art and domineering stylistic principles.
• Able to see the link between modern audio-visual culture and important stages of development of cinematic art and theoretical and practical achievements in different periods of time.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photography, FO | 3 | Bachelor’s | Limited choice | Dita Rietuma | |
| Multimedia Communication, MKN | 1 | Bachelor’s | Required | Dita Rietuma |
