2017-2018 / CINE0009-1

Introduction to the Language of Cinematography

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Bachelor in information and communication5 crédits 
 Master in history of art and archaeology : general (120 ECTS)5 crédits 
 Master in performing arts (120 ECTS)5 crédits 

Lecturer

Dick Tomasovic

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course is a continuation of the History of cinema course. In the same basic spirit we will approach cinema not as a historical object but as a language, i.e. as a (complex) system to convey meaning through the specific means of image and sound. It will examine the problems raised by shots, frames, depth of field, off camera, sequences, retakes, construction of space, organisation of time, cutting, narrating, perspective, identifying viewers, voices, music, noises, etc.
These various notions will emerge from detailed analyses of film extracts.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Using film analysis and theoretical tools the course aims at introducing students to what a film actually is, as a technical, aesthetic and ideological object. The pleasure they experience viewing a film can turn into the pleasure of understanding - including the various professional outlets in the field of cinema. The course will also interest all the students in communication who will be equipped with invaluable tools of analysis of the audiovisual language.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

History of cinema course.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course, very illustrated, requires the active participation of the students. The students are also invited to view and to analyze by themselves a series of films. The list of films to be seen is passed on by the teacher at the beginning of the course.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

See : http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires

Recommended or required readings

Synthesis sheets will be handed out.
Recommanded reading: David BORDWELL et Kristin THOMPSON, L'art du film, Ed. de Boeck, 1999 (3e édition, 2014).

Assessment methods and criteria

Written examination.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

« Le cinéma substitue à nos regards un monde qui s'accorde à nos désirs »
Le Mépris, Jean-Luc Godard, 1963

Contacts

Dick Tomasovic
Théorie et pratique des arts du spectacle Département des Arts et sciences de la Communication Faculté de Philosophie et Lettres Université de Liège Place du XX août, 7 4000 Liège Belgique 32 4 366 32 88 ou 3279 (secrétariat)
dick.tomasovic@ulg.ac.be