Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
History of Film 1: first half 20th century34348/3298/2425/1/50
Study guide

History of Film 1: first half 20th century

34348/3298/2425/1/50
Academic year 2024-25
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 3
    Choice package:
    • aan opleidingsonderdelen naar keuze
    • aan opleidingsonderdelen naar keuze (MO + GO)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
    Choice package:
    • Elective courses
    • Elective courses (MO + GO)
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Co-ordinator: Ubben Eric
Languages: English
Scheduled for: Semester 1
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 31.10.2024 ()
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 24,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

Film History 1 covers the stylistic evolution and major technical milestones in film history from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War II. As an elective for visual arts students, the focus in Film History 1 is on (audio)visual references and thus distinguishes this course from communication or film studies.

Prerequisite competencies (text)

The student has a basic knowledge of history and more specific art history of modern times.

Learning outcomes (list)

BA3 - The student knows about and understands the social, cultural, artistic, historical and international context of the visual arts and artistic praxis, and continues to develop this knowledge and understanding.
The student has knowledge of and understands that two new innovations (sound on film and technicolor) had a profound impact on film production. Both in a positive as in a negative sense.
The student has knowledge of the societal changes after the first world war and the great depression.
The student has acquired an insight in the new genres (Slapstick, Historical drama, Western,…) and movements such as the German Expressionism, Soviet Montage School, Surrealism and Poetic Realism.
The student knows about and understands that annimated film will also be subject to a small revolution and that directions in European animation developed in a different direction compared to its N.American sibling.
The student knows and understands that the so called B&W silent era is actually a misinterpretation.
The students knows about and understands the notion of fictional narrative medium (Méliès, Porter, Griffith), its popularity and how it outgrowths the nickelodeons and dime theaters to move to Film Theaters.
The student knows about the evolution of the newly born film medium, from its precursors (Plateau, Marey, Mubridge,…) to the bridging innovators; Dickson/Edison and the Lumière Brothers.

Course content

Film History 1 gives you an insight into the evolution of cinematography from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War II. We zoom in on the most crucial chapters of film history to understand this evolution. In this way, we contextualise pre-cinematography as well as important directors such as Méliès, Porter, Griffith and pioneering movements such as the Soviet montage school, German expressionism, surrealism and poetic realism. We explore technical innovations such as the introduction of sound and colour that have been of great importance in the history of cinematography. The Second World War will go a long way towards nominating Hollywood.

Study material (text): Mandatory

Film History by Bordwell/Thompson is a loose leaf reader and available in the academy library. The powerpoint presentations and some film footage can be found on Digitap. Seminars and lectures will take place on campus. Exceptionally, they will be streamed live via TEAMS.


Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Lectures and / or tutorials24,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
Eerste examenperiodeResearch Assignment100,00
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodResearch Assignment100,00

Evaluation (text)

At the end of the first semester, you will be invited to present a paper on a specific film, director or movement. This paper covers at least six pages (incl. illustrations and sources) and will be submitted on the deadline as noted on the exam schedule.

Lectures are live on campus and you are expected to be present during classes. Absence can have a negative impact on study results.