Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Asian Cinema
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: LMD09161
Module leader: Qiao Li
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module equips you with theoretical and conceptual tools to critically engage with and understand Asian cinema by analysing film texts within their cultural, historical, and political contexts. The main goal of the module is to familiarise you with national cinemas across Asia. Using key theoretical frameworks, you will examine several national cinemas within the Asian region, including those of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Iran, Japan, South Korea, and others.You will explore key concepts such as national cinema, genre, authorship, and film style, discussing how cultural identities are projected by various national cinemas through the works of auteur directors. Special focus will be placed on how different genres and cinematic styles emerge within specific national contexts. Selected films will be presented in a critical context, encouraging you to consider them as representative of the diverse outputs of Asian cinema.The module uses a seminar format and adopts case-based learning, focusing on a selection of significant Asian film texts and addressing a wide range of major topics in Asian cinema studies within their specific socio-political settings.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of key principles, theories, concepts, and terminology in Asian cinema studies, with particular attention to national cinema, genre, auteur theory, and socio-political influences on film style and production.

LO2: Produce clearly defined, rigorous, and detailed written arguments that synthesise cultural, historical, and political perspectives to demonstrate critical engagement with Asian cinema studies.

LO3: Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate research methods and apply advanced analytical and critical skills to conduct in-depth film analysis within the specific cultural, historical, and political contexts of Asian cinema

LO4: Communicate clearly and contribute thoughtfully and effectively to peer discussions and reviews, engaging with case-based learning and seminar dialogues.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 003
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Qiao Li
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 24 The seminar format in this module encourages in-depth discussions and critical analysis of Asian cinema in its diverse cultural, historical, and political contexts. Each session focuses on selected film texts, examining them in relation to key theories, cinematic techniques, and thematic concerns of the region’s national cinemas. Through case-based learning and active participation, students will deepen their understanding of complex concepts and develop analytical skills by engaging in discussi
Face To Face Tutorial 36 In these tutorials, selected films will be screened to allow students to engage directly with the material. Screenings will be followed by in-depth discussions, where students will critically analyse the films in relation to their cultural, historical, and political contexts, as well as the themes and techniques explored in the module.
Online Guided independent study 140 Guided Independent Study: During this time, students will engage in self-directed research and analysis, supported by reading materials and resources provided in the module. Students will critically reflect on the films and topics covered in the seminars and tutorials, allowing them to deepen their understanding of Asian cinema. Independent study will also involve preparing for assessments, developing research ideas, and working on individual projects.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 65 1~2~3 Week 13 , WORDS= 3000 words For this essay, you will choose two or three films to analyse in relation to a specific topic within Asian cinema. Your task is to explore how these films use cinematic techniques to represent the chosen theme visually. This involves analysing both the narrative structure (e.g., film style, story world) and the cinematic methods (e.g., mise-en-scene, editing, camerawork, sound) employed in the films. You must provide a critical analysis, contextualising the films within the broader landscape of Asian cinema. The essay should demonstrate your understanding of the topic through a detailed comparison of the films, supported by course readings and additional research. The final essay should be 3000 words, properly formatted, and include citations, a bibliography, and any necessary illustrations.
Oral Presentation 25 1~2~4 Week 12 HOURS= 15 minutes You will deliver a 10-minute seminar presentation on a topic from the weekly unit, followed by a 5-minute Q&A. Presentations are assigned in Week 1 and must be given in the assigned week. Your presentation should include a theoretical analysis, using at least three sources to contextualise your topic. You must also submit a literature review and an annotated bibliography (75-100 words per source) on the day of your presentation. Upload your PowerPoint and bibliography to Moodle. Focus on clarity, relevance, and conciseness, integrating the readings and film examples into your talk.
Discussion/Participation 10 1~4 Week 12 HOURS= 0 Active participation in weekly discussions is essential. You are expected to engage with the course materials, contribute thoughtfully to class debates, and respond to your peers' ideas. This participation will help deepen your understanding of the topics covered and develop critical thinking skills in relation to Asian cinema.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Asian cinema
 

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