This module focuses on female filmmakers - from early-cinema pioneers and mid-twentieth century innovators to contemporary leading directors - who have contributed to establishing and transforming the cinematic experience. The module aims to introduce students to a variety of films made by, and often about, women, and to familiarise them with key texts from genre and gender film theory and women’s film history. We will examine how female filmmakers have addressed genre/gender traditions and expectations, challenged cinematic forms and canons, or reworked established conventions and characters to represent and respond to shifting identities, roles and politics in our societies. With close analysis of individual films, we will investigate style, content and meaning of the directors’ work. 

Delivery Method 

This course will consist of 10 weekly two-hour sessions divided into a lecture and a small-group seminar. Students may be asked to prepare short presentations - they will receive guidance on relevant readings. All students will be expected to have read towards group discussions. 

In addition, feature films and videos related to each weekly topic will be made available to the students so that they may watch them ahead of the class (though internet links, library DVDs, or digital files). 

Aims of the module: 

The module is intended to provide students with a range of analytical tools with which to approach film studies. It will provide solid insights into cinema history and film criticism in terms of genre and gender. With its focus on the work of female directors, the module aims to provide students with a wider perspective on diversity and inclusiveness in filmmaking by encouraging them to approach critically early and contemporary women’s cinema and to make meaningful connections across disciplines. 

Intended learning outcomes: 

By the end of the module, students should have gained knowledge of the history of women’s cinema and theories about film, genre and gender. They should be able to develop a critical analysis of different films, and to relate them to their social and historical context in novel ways. They should have improved their ability to think and write critically about film, and to use interdisciplinary research for their study. They should have developed their understanding of key critical concepts, laying the foundation for further study in film and media. 

Trigger Warnings: 

Please note that some films contain graphic descriptions of violence. 

 