Subject Area: Film Studies

This course explores some of the major theoretical approaches to the study of film genre through in-depth analysis of particular genres. Through the analysis of specific film genres the course explores key topics in genre studies: ideas of popular(s) and cultural value; the ways that industrial, social, technological, and aesthetic factors shape the development, circulation, and reception of a film genre; and the movement of genres across and between different media.

Genre "case-studies" vary from year to year and may include: the gangster film, comedy, exploitation and b-grade cinemas, documentary, and the film musical.