Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04
For much of the twentieth century, the cinema has provided mass audiences with a powerful and accessible source of images and ideas about many aspects of science, medicine and healthcare, including the notion of scientific evidence and objectivity, laboratory experimentation, science and human rights, the relationship between doctor and patient, the public image of scientists, the encounter between human and non-human animals. This course seeks to understand the complex relations between cinema and science, by critically examining a diverse body of works coming from different filmic traditions, genres and periods, challenging the cliché of the mad scientist often represented in mainstream Hollywood cinema.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
Sorry, we don't have a record of any course coordinators. |
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From sci-fi to computer simulated graphics to mind-expanding documentaries, science and film have always gravitated toward one another. For much of the twentieth century, the cinema has provided mass audiences with a powerful and accessible source of images and ideas about many aspects of science, medicine and healthcare, including the notion of scientific evidence and objectivity, laboratory experimentation, science and human rights, the relationship between doctor and patient, the public image of scientists, the encounter between human and non-human animals. This course seeks to understand the complex relations between cinema and science by critically examining a diverse body of works coming from different filmic traditions, genres and periods, challenging the cliché of the mad scientist often represented in mainstream Hollywood cinema. Students will acquire the critical tools to navigate and counteract the widely spread misconceptions arising from both pseudo-science and biased media (mis)representations of scientific achievements. Readings will be at the crossroad of film theory and history, medical humanities, visual culture, science and technology studies (STS).
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1000 word reflexive essay (30%)
2000 word research essay (50%)
Seminar Assesment Mark (20%)
Alternative Resit Arrangements for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21
Resit: 2,000 word written assessment(100%)
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Analyse | Conduct a close-reading and analysis of films identifying patterns, motives, forms. |
| Procedural | Create | Engage in critical thinking and creative practice in relation to the practice-based component of the course. |
| Procedural | Apply | Expand the conceptual toolkit of film theory and visual culture through notions coming from science and technology studies (STS). |
| Factual | Remember | Demonstrate an understanding of the various configurations of the relationship between cinema and science beyond science fiction. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Demonstrate the ability to create a presentation to communicate and/or engage the wider public with science using an audio-visual medium. |
| Procedural | Create | Construct coherent arguments and demonstrate enhanced skills in written, oral and visual communications. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate an understanding of critical approaches related to the study of film, science and visual culture. |
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