Global Cinema (MLitt-Postgraduate Diploma-Postgraduate Certificate)
ObjectivesStudents will learn about how cinema operates as a global medium, and about the development and interactions of cinematic culture around the globe. Instead of simply looking at a selection of national cinemas from around the world, the focus of the Master’s is on the global phenomenon of cinema itself. In an era of globalisation, such a perspective is fundamental to understanding one of the most enduringly fascinating art forms.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements Consideration will be given to candidates with an Honours degree, or its equivalent, from a university or college recognised by the University of Stirling.
The teaching year at Stirling is divided into two semesters, which run from mid-September to Christmas, and from mid-February to the end of May.
Students take two options in addition to core modules. The core modules in the Autumn Semester are: Global Cinema Core I
Research Methods
Research Methods for Cinema
The core modules in the Spring Semester are: Global Cinema Core II
Research Methods
Research Methods for Cinema
In summer, students will undertake the dissertation. Examples of option modules include:
Travelling Theories
Borderlands
National Cinemas in a Global Context
Transnational Cinema
Students benefit from a wide range of interdisciplinary expertise within the School of Languages, Cultures and Religions, Film and Media Studies, and English Studies. Teaching is seminar-driven, giving students ample opportunities for discussion and active engagement with the visual and written texts being studied.
Students study a variety of films and film industries within the context of topics such as globalisation, postcolonial and diaspora studies, and transnational production. A distinctive feature of this programme is its emphasis on the role of Hollywood in the cinematic world order, and its rejection of the dichotomy between ‘Hollywood’ and ‘the rest’.
Assessed coursework builds logically towards the dissertation by giving students direct experience in doing literature searches, compiling bibliographies, and analysing secondary sources, as well as producing original analyses of individual or small groups of films, all of which are essential skills they will use in the dissertation and beyond.
Delivery and Assessment
Assessment in each semester will be based on coursework and essays; there are no formal examinations. Methods of assessment for each of the non-core modules will vary, but will often consist of a single essay. Teaching will take the form of regular tutorials in small groups. Though all the modules will offer close and careful supervision, you are expected to take proper responsibility for your own studies. The aim in all cases is to foster student-led learning in expert, stimulating and congenial company.
Career Opportunities
As well as those seeking to pursue an academic career, this degree will appeal to those for whom an understanding of global cinema or of the cultural dimensions to globalisation is a career concern.