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Home / Syllabus / B.A. (Film, Television and New Media Production) / FY BAFTNMP / Semester 1 / Fundamentals of Film Theory and Appreciation

B.A. (Film, Television and New Media Production) Fundamentals of Film Theory and Appreciation Syllabus - Mumbai University

This is the FY BAFTNMP syllabus under NEP 2020, in force from the academic year 2024-25. The first two years of this degree are on NEP; the third year is still on the University's earlier CBSGS scheme, and it is marked as such on its own pages.

Fundamentals of Film Theory and Appreciation Syllabus.pdf
Major · Semester 1 · FY BAFTNMP · 4 credits · 60 hours

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Syllabus for Fundamentals of Film Theory and Appreciation

Major · Semester 1 · FY BAFTNMP · 4 credits · 60 hours

The University prints this paper as “Fundamentals of Film Theory & Appreciation”.

Course objectives

  • The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of film appreciation, theory, and analysis, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to critically engage with cinema. By exploring the evolution of film, major theories, and key contributors, students will develop a profound appreciation for the art and craft of filmmaking.

Course outcomes

  • Upon completion of the course, students will emerge with a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking, a solid understanding of film theory, and the ability to critically analyse films. They will be equipped with the knowledge to recognize and appreciate diverse cinematic styles, genres, and historical contexts, preparing them for further studies in film or related fields and enabling them to engage thoughtfully with the world of cinema as informed viewers and potential creators.

Module 1: Foundations of Film Appreciation and Theory

  • Film Theory Overview:
  • Define film theory and its importance in understanding cinema.
  • Explore various film theories (e.g., formalism, realism, auteur theory) and their impact on filmmaking.
  • Film Analysis Techniques:
  • Introduce tools for film analysis (e.g., mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, sound).
  • Discuss the importance of symbolism, motifs, and themes in film analysis.
  • Critical Appreciation of Films:
  • Guide on how to critically appreciate a film, emphasizing cultural, historical, and social contexts.
  • Analyse the impact of film elements on the viewer's emotional and intellectual engagement.
  • Major Film Theories:
  • Briefly explore influential film theories such as auteur theory, feminist film theory, and Marxist film theory.
  • History of Film Introduction:
  • Provide an overview of early cinema, from the Lumière Brothers to the silent era.
  • Discuss the evolution of storytelling techniques and film form during the silent film era.
  • Case Study: Analyse a silent film like "The Birth of a Nation" by D.W. Griffith in the context of early cinema and its controversial themes.

Module 2: Evolution of Cinema and Key Contributors

  • Cinema Evolution Over Years:
  • Trace the evolution of cinema through different eras and technological advancements.
  • Explore the transition from silent films to the era of synchronized sound.
  • Contributions of D.W. Griffith and Sergei Eisenstein:
  • Examine the impact of D.W. Griffith's narrative techniques and innovations filmmaking.
  • Analyse Sergei Eisenstein's contributions to montage theory and the development of Soviet cinema.
  • Stages of Feature Film Production:
  • Break down the feature film production process into stages: development, pre production, production, post-production, and distribution.
  • Director and Principal Technicians' Roles:
  • Explore the roles of the director, cinematographer, editor, and other key technicians in shaping a film's artistic and technical aspects.
  • Case Study: Investigate the production stages and directorial choices in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho."

Module 3: Film Genres and Structure

  • Different Film Genres:
  • Define various film genres (e.g., drama, comedy, thriller, sci-fi) and their characteristics.
  • Explore how genres help in audience expectations and storytelling conventions.
  • Structuring a Feature Film:
  • Examine the three-act structure and other narrative frameworks in feature films.
  • Discuss the importance of pacing, character arcs, and plot development.
  • Studio System Overview:
  • Explore the rise and decline of the studio system in Hollywood.
  • Understand how the studio system impacted filmmaking practices and creativity.
  • Case Study: Analyse the genre and narrative structure of Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai."

Module 4: Indian Cinema - Documentary Films, Music, and Contemporary Perspectives

  • Documentary Films vs. Fiction Films:
  • Differentiate between documentary and fiction filmmaking approaches.
  • Discuss the unique qualities and challenges of documentary filmmaking.
  • Music and Choreography in Indian Cinema:
  • Explore the significance of music and choreography in Indian films.
  • Discuss how these elements contribute to storytelling and audience engagement.
  • Contemporary Indian Cinema:
  • Analyse the global perspective and presence of contemporary Indian cinema.
  • Discuss the impact of filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and the evolution of Indian cinema.
  • Case Study: Examine the role of music in the narrative of Raj Kapoor's "Awaara.

Module 5: Global Cinema Overview and Digital Aesthetics

  • Overview of Hollywood Cinema:
  • Provide an overview of Hollywood's influence on global cinema.
  • Discuss Hollywood's major contributions and challenges.
  • Digital Aesthetics in Feature Films:
  • Explore the impact of digital technology on filmmaking aesthetics.
  • Analyse how digital tools have changed storytelling, cinematography, and visual effects.
  • Legends of World and Indian Cinema:
  • Explore the impact of legendary filmmakers like Charlie Chaplin, Vittorio De Sica, and Godard on world cinema.
  • Discuss the legacy of Indian filmmakers such as Bimal Roy and their influence. Case Study: Analyse the digital aesthetics in Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park" and its impact on filmmaking.

Reference Books

  • 1. "Film Art: An Introduction" by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson
  • 2. A comprehensive introduction to film aesthetics, techniques, and history. "Understanding Movies" by Louis Giannetti
  • 3. Provides a solid foundation for understanding the art of filmmaking, covering key elements like cinematography, editing, and narrative. "The Film Experience: An Introduction" by Timothy Corrigan and Patricia White
  • 4. Explores film history, theory, and production with a focus on audience experience. "An Introduction to Film Studies" by Jill Nelmes
  • 5. A collection of essays covering various aspects of film studies, including history, theory, and critical approaches. "Sculpting in Time" by Andrei Tarkovsky
  • 6. Offers insights into the philosophical and artistic aspects of filmmaking by the renowned Russian director. "The Oxford History of World Cinema" edited by Geoffrey Nowell-Smith
  • 7. A comprehensive overview of the history of world cinema, covering various regions and periods."What Is Cinema?" by Andre Bazin
  • 8. A collection of essays by a key figure in film theory, exploring the nature of cinema and its evolution."The Classical Hollywood Cinema: Film Style and Mode of Production to 1960" by David Bordwell, Janet Staiger, and Kristin Thompson
  • 9. Examines the classical Hollywood style and its influence on filmmaking. "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch
  • 10. Focuses on the art and craft of film editing, written by an acclaimed film editor. "Making Movies" by Sidney Lumet
  • 11. Offers practical insights into the filmmaking process from the perspective of a highly respected director."Film Genre Reader IV" edited by Barry Keith Grant
  • 12. A collection of essays exploring various film genres and their characteristics. "The Documentary Film Book" by Brian Winston
  • 13. Covers the history, theory, and practice of documentary filmmaking. "The Oxford Handbook of New Audio-visual Aesthetics" edited by John Richardson and Claudia Gorbman

Cut from the University of Mumbai syllabus for B.A. (Film, Television and New Media Production), item 5.3 (N) of the Academic Council meeting of 20.04.24 (NEP 2020), in force from 2024-25. Wording, module numbering and reading lists are as printed there.

The complete syllabus

This subject is cut from one of the University circulars below. Open the document if you want the whole thing rather than a single subject.

PDF BA FTNMP Sem I and II (2024-25) NEP NEP 2020 syllabus, in force from 2024-25 Read full PDF Read
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PDF BA FTNMP Sem III Open Elective Ethics and Etiquettes in Digital Technology (2025-26) NEP NEP 2020 syllabus, in force from 2025-26 Read full PDF Read
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PDF BA FTNMP Sem I to VI (2017-18) CBSGS item 4.129 CBSGS syllabus, in force from 2017-18 Read full PDF Read
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