Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Film Costume Analysis38323/3580/2627/1/28
Study guide

Film Costume Analysis

38323/3580/2627/1/28
Academic year 2026-27
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 1
    Specialisation:
    • Costume Design
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
    Specialisation:
    • Costume Design
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
It is not possible to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Hendriks Véronique (dut,eng)
Other teaching staff: Kuijpers Maud
Languages: Dutch, English
Scheduled for: Semester 1 or Academic year
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2026 () or 01.12.2026 ()
Re-sit exam: not possible.
Possibility of deliberation: This course unit is eligible for deliberation according to the criteria as determined by the degree programme you are enrolled in.
Total study time: 78,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Learning outcomes (list)

BA2 - The student has the necessary knowledge, skills and insights regarding material, form, action, concepts, function and contents of the chosen medi
The student is able to analyze characters and actions.
The student is able to give a limited analysis of characters, action, costumes, decor, lighting, grime, etc.
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 is able to give a limited analysis of characters, action, costumes, decor, lighting, grime, etc.
The student has actively participated in the classes about this subject
The student can discuss these matters with his or her fellow students.
The student has an insight in the way the Hollywood scene carefully mixes the influences of European cinema and gracefully adopts the European born directors who searched for refugee in the States and confirms its dominance.
The student has knowledge of and understands that European and Asian film developed into new grounds and that Hollywood saw the decline of the studio dominance.
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.

Course content

This lecture examines the development of film costume in the 20th century. Specifically, it covers the period from 1890 to 1968 in the European Union and the United States—that is, from the birth of cinema through the end of the Hollywood industry’s golden age. Film styles and genres from this historical period are compared with later New Wave variations and contemporary cinema. The focus is on genre and style iconography in relation to setting and costume.
By analyzing films (and film clips), this course provides insight into the evolution of genre and style over the years, how these developments relate to social trends of the time, and how we can now view such genre films from a contemporary perspective.
In the second part of the course, students are expected to apply the knowledge they have acquired by conducting a comparative analysis of the discussed theme and a postmodern or contemporary film. Under the instructor’s guidance, students will examine the relationship between the film and the discussed theme, analyze how the setting and costumes are presented, and explore how these elements relate to the previously discussed theme.

Study material (list)

(course) material provided by the lecturerMandatory
  • Author: Lector
Additional literature, films and internet links referred to during lessons and which may be consulted for further informationMandatory

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Lectures and / or tutorials52,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours26,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodResearch Assignment100,00

Evaluation (text)

• Continuous assessment (attendance and active participation in lectures)
• Research assignment
• A written assignment in the form of a paper