FILM AND TELEVISION (ENGLISH, THESIS)
Master TR-NQF-HE: Level 7 QF-EHEA: Second Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 7

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
FTV5929 A History of Narrative Film Spring
Fall
3 0 3 7
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Departmental Elective
Course Level:
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Prof. Dr. NİLAY ULUSOY
Course Lecturer(s): Prof. Dr. NİLAY ULUSOY
Recommended Optional Program Components: Guest Lectures and Industry Talks – Students will have the opportunity to engage with film scholars, critics, and industry professionals through guest lectures and panel discussions, providing deeper insights into historical and contemporary cinema. Film Archival Research and Study Trips – Students may participate in visits to film archives, museums, or festivals to examine primary sources, rare footage, and historical materials related to film history and theory. Cinematic Genre Exploration Workshops – Students will have the chance to explore various film genres (e.g., horror, sci-fi, documentary) in-depth, analyzing their historical roots, evolution, and cultural significance in both classical and contemporary cinema. Film Theory and Criticism Seminars – Students can attend specialized seminars that delve into film theory, exploring concepts such as formalism, realism, postmodernism, and feminist film theory, with an emphasis on applying these theories to specific films. International Cinema and Global Film Movements – Students will explore the history and impact of key international film movements, such as Japanese Cinema, Latin American Cinema, and African Cinema, with an emphasis on their global influence and contribution to world cinema. Film Production for Historical Context – Students can participate in practical workshops that challenge them to produce short films or scenes that replicate key historical movements or moments in cinema, blending theory and production skills. Cultural and Political Impact of Film Documentaries – This workshop will explore how documentary cinema has played a role in shaping public opinion, promoting social change, and documenting history, with a focus on the evolution of documentary filmmaking. Interactive Film Analysis and Digital Tools – Students will have access to interactive tools and digital platforms to analyze films from a more dynamic perspective, such as using video editing software to dissect film structure or applying data-driven approaches to study audience reception.
Course Objectives: Since its invention in the late 19th century, cinema has been closely tied to art and society. While its status as a medium of art has often been debated, cinema has from its earliest inception been closely associated with social, cultural, economic, political, and psychological realms both on national and international levels. This class will attempt to give a history of film from its invention to contemporary cinema while the films we will view will give an idea about various episodes of film history.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Analyze the Evolution of Cinema – Students will be able to trace the historical development of cinema from its invention in the late 19th century to contemporary global cinema, understanding key technological, artistic, and industrial shifts.
Evaluate Cinema’s Relationship with Society – Students will critically examine how cinema has interacted with and reflected social, cultural, economic, and political changes across different historical periods and national contexts.
Identify Major Film Movements and Styles – Students will recognize and analyze significant film movements (e.g., German Expressionism, Italian Neorealism, French New Wave) and their contributions to the artistic and narrative evolution of cinema.
Interpret Film Aesthetics and Techniques – Students will develop an understanding of cinematic language, including mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound, and how these elements have evolved across different historical eras.
Critically Engage with Film History and Theory – Students will apply film theory and historical perspectives to critically assess selected films, situating them within broader artistic and socio-political contexts.

Course Content

The course offer a comprehensive cinema history. This includes: prehistories of film, art and experimental film, German Expressionism, cinema and colonialism, propaganda film, the Hollywood cinema, the American dreamThis course aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on film history through theoretical lectures, film screenings, discussions, and historical film analysis.This course will be taught through a combination of lectures, film screenings, and discussions, complemented by critical readings and analysis exercises. Assessment will include written essays, film analysis reports, and a final research project.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Topic Origins and International Expansion, 1907-1918 Weekend wieving:“The Cook”, “The Great Train Robbery”
2) D.W. Griffith and the Development of Narrative Form; Weekend wieving: “The Birth of a Nation”
3) Soviet Silent Cinema and the Theory of Montage, 1917-1931: Weekend wieving: “Battleship Potemkin”
4) Europe in the Thirties German Cinema of the Weimar Period, 1919-1929; Weekend wieving: "The Cabinet of Dr Caligari"
5) Europe in the Thirties The Poetic Realism; Weekend wieving:
6) the American Studio System; Hollywood Genres Weekend wieving: “Rear Window”
7) Hollywood Invasion at Europe Postwar Cinema: Italian Neo-Realismo Weekend wieving: “Bicycle Thieves”
8) The French New Wave and Its Narative Context; “Breathless”
9) The British Free Cinema-New Cinema in Britain “Saturday Night Sunday Morning”
10) European Renaissance, New German Cinema “Der Himmel Über Berlin”
11) New Hollywood 1965-1995 “Bonnie and Clyde”
12) 3 World Cinema and Accented Cinema “Kurz und schmerzlos”
13) New Turkish Cinema (1990's-...) The Bandit The Town
14) paper presentations and discussions

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Cook, David A. A History of Narrative Film. 4th Ed. New York and London: W.W. Norton and Company, 2004.
References: Cook, David A. A History of Narrative Film. 4th Ed. New York and London: W.W. Norton and Company, 2004.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 14 % 10
Quizzes 1 % 5
Homework Assignments 1 % 5
Presentation 1 % 10
Midterms 1 % 30
Final 1 % 40
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Study Hours Out of Class 16 7 112
Homework Assignments 2 5 10
Midterms 1 10 10
Final 1 10 10
Total Workload 184

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Students will develop a strong foundation in film theory and criticism, enabling them to engage in academic discussions on cinematic aesthetics and narrative structures. They will learn to apply critical methodologies to analyze films from various historical and cultural contexts. 5
2) Students will gain a broad knowledge of the historical and sociological contexts of global cinema television productions by studying important films from the history of cinema and gain ideas for creating their own works. Students will master the methods of fiction or documentary storytelling through courses based on screenwriting, cinematography and lighting, directing, post-production. 2
3) Students will explore the relationship between cinema and reality by studying documentary filmmaking and its ethical, political, and aesthetic implications. They will gain hands-on experience in documentary production, learning to craft compelling visual narratives based on real-world subjects. 5
4) Students will enhance their ability to communicate through visual storytelling by studying cinematic language, composition, and mise-en-scène. They will analyze and create scenes using different cinematic techniques to convey emotions and meaning effectively. 5
5) Students will refine their screenwriting skills by mastering narrative structure, character development, and dialogue. They will write and workshop original scripts, preparing them for professional careers in film and television writing. 2
6) Students will gain expertise in directing techniques, working with actors, and visual composition to create engaging cinematic experiences. They will direct short projects that demonstrate their ability to translate written narratives into compelling visual storytelling. 2
7) Students will gain insight into the global film industry, including production, distribution, and marketing strategies. They will develop professional skills necessary to navigate the industry, from pitching projects to networking with industry professionals. 1
8) Students will explore the historical evolution of Turkish cinema, from early productions to contemporary trends, analyzing key directors, genres, and movements. They will also examine the production models in the Turkish film industry, including independent filmmaking, mainstream cinema, and government-supported productions. 2