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FS3013: AFRICAN CINEMA (2022-2023)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:30


Course Overview

A continent of over 50 countries and yet frequently ‘Othered’ and unexplored in mainstream cinematic landscapes. For those that know little about Africa, and some of the key political and social events that have helped to shape the continent, this module seeks to introduce and establish an interest in the modern history and cinematic output of this great land. Beginning with Nollywood and concluding with Wakaliwood, this module explores sub-Saharan African cinema, from older classics such as Mandabi (1968) to exciting new frontiers, typified by the success of District 9 (2009).

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Calum Waddell

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Addressing cultural and historical approaches to African cinema, the module will introduce students to a selection of notable motion pictures, from the early postcolonial period of Senegal and the end of white rule across Southern Africa to ‘Hollywood’s Africa’ and the present-day output of rising powers such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Such examples will be highlighted via weekly screenings alongside relevant course readings.

 As there are clear cultural differences between North and sub-Saharan Africa, this module focuses on the latter – introducing modern breakout movements, alongside fresh provocation from Kenya and South Africa, both during and after the apartheid regime. This module will also indicate to students that, contrary to familiar news stories, Africa’s story is not one of repeated tragedy or impoverishment – hence the inclusion of popular genre fare that subverts familiar Western depictions of the continent, including the blockbuster The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980).

 Students will be expected to record a video essay and to explore their reading and viewing in a final academic paper. This dual approach will also provide students with the opportunity to develop a critical voice. Furthermore, in this module students will also learn about transnational adaptation, including how seventies ‘blaxploitation’ cinema was used as a template for South Africa’s controversial B-Scheme filmmaking and how third and second cinema provided a template for more radical voices to emerge. Finally, attendees will develop an understanding of uniquely African distribution and production networks, particularly Nollywood, and its influence across East and West Africa, which has led to the emergence of hitherto unexplored, localised voices.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 19 Feedback Weeks 22

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Essay - theory based question regarding African cinema.

Written feedback

Word Count 2500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualAnalyseStudents will: Understand the social and political challenges that have faced a number of African countries during and following the colonial period, and which have been expressed via cinematic me
FactualUnderstandStudents will: Engage with different African cultures and histories through key periods in filmmaking.
ProceduralApplyStudents will: Critically and academically analyse the choice of film formats, including genre, used to mediate topical and recurring localised themes via both essay and practice-based video work.

Video Essay – practice and critical based discussion regarding African cinema.

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 21 Feedback Weeks 24

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Video essay - 4- 5 minutes

Written feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualAnalyseStudents will: Understand the social and political challenges that have faced a number of African countries during and following the colonial period, and which have been expressed via cinematic me
FactualUnderstandStudents will: Engage with different African cultures and histories through key periods in filmmaking.
ProceduralApplyStudents will: Critically and academically analyse the choice of film formats, including genre, used to mediate topical and recurring localised themes via both essay and practice-based video work.

Tutorial/Seminar Participation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Assessed over all teaching weeks

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Tutorial/Seminar Participation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Mark from 1st sitting will be carried forward

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Resubmission of Reflexive Video Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Written feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Resubmission of essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Written feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandStudents will: Engage with different African cultures and histories through key periods in filmmaking.
FactualAnalyseStudents will: Understand the social and political challenges that have faced a number of African countries during and following the colonial period, and which have been expressed via cinematic me
ProceduralApplyStudents will: Critically and academically analyse the choice of film formats, including genre, used to mediate topical and recurring localised themes via both essay and practice-based video work.

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