The course will concentrate on three key areas of British film: The epic cinema of the 1930s/40s and later, to include the output of producer Alexander Korda (The Private Life of Henry VIII), films by director Michael Powell (Red Shoes), to current works like Dunkirk and The Darkest Hour Documentary and Realism, from early films commissioned by the Post Office, the Coal Board (Nightmail et al), through to the kitchen sink dramas of the early 1960s (Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, A Taste of Honey) and the later works of Ken Loach et al Modern British cinema: Themes and Attitudes - a look at how successfully (or otherwise) it reflects the concerns of different sections of British society and how it sees our future as a nation
Course aim
To identify the unique quality of British film and to explore how key directors have depicted key aspects of British life, culture and values over a period of some eighty years
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Describe the range of diversity of British cinema
- Describe its achievements in this country and worldwide
- Explain how different (at least 2) British directors have developed their own identities
- develop the skills and enthusiasm to research, in greater depth, different strains of British film
- develop knowledge and strategies to support new British films
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
- A selection of materials and basic equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring additional materials with you
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
Download full course information sheet
