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FM4121   Screen Comedy

Academic year(s): 2018-2019

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 2.00 - 4.00 pm Monday, 4.30 - 7.00 pm Monday (Screening)

This module will trace comic forms, genres and theories developed over the course of film and television history. Taking comedy seriously, the module will bring together formal analysis of comic scenes and images, seeking to explore the how and why of funniness, with a broad historical survey, bridging early cinematic gags with Vine videos to explore the broader cultural and political causes and consequences of screen humour. Essential theories of comedy will be in dialogue with each week?s screening, analysing concepts ranging from the grotesque to laughter, the absurd to humour noir. We will focus on several key questions: How does comedy subvert or support social norms, whether they be political, ethnic or gendered? What is the relationship between the comic body on screen and the spectatorial response of laughter? What are the most extreme forms of comic experience? Screenings may include works by Keaton, McCarey, Chytilovß, Kusturica, Sturges, Iannucci and others.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass FM2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hours of lectures (x 11 weeks) 3 hours of film/video viewing (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 55

Guided independent study hours: 245

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr P Flaig