Singapore University of Social Sciences

Story, Technique, Theory: Making Sense of Film is a survey of some of the major theoretical approaches to film. Students will study some early theories that sought to establish that cinema was a legitimate art form with medium-specific properties and effects. They will gradually move on to selected theories borrowing from disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, linguistics, economics, and political science. Students will examine how these approaches affect the production and interpretation of a film. They will apply various theoretical approaches to films and assess their usefulness and impact. Students will be required to critique assigned readings and view associated films.