University of St Andrews

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: TBC

This module will examine the integral role of the detective story across media and throughout history. This hugely popular and enduring phenomenon is both culturally significant (for example the detective story has historically shaped film narrative and processes of audience identification on film) and a lens through which to explore broader issues often marginalised on other modules (for example questions of adaptation, character, or race). The first five weeks will examine the form and function of detective dramas, before later foregrounding thematic considerations. The module will encourage students to examine film alongside other media (including tv, literature, video games, stage plays, radio), placing different media texts in dialogue each week. It will consider media historically, both internationally and regionally and, through its innovative assessments, will explore the continued popularity and evolution of the detective today.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass FM2001 and 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 T Rice Senior, Dr L Donaldson