Philosophy and Film, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 60 ECTS credits passed
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, students should be able to:
- explain classical texts of philosophy in their basic sense, interpret films in relation to the texts and vice versa,
- interpret the basic structure, content and message of a film,
- argue for a standpoint of their own about the relationship between a film and a philosophical text,
- critically present arguments regarding the interpretation of a film from a philosophical perspective.

Course content

The course proposes an introduction to popular works of Western cinema and their relationship with classical texts of philosophy. The texts include some key works of philosophers such as Aristotle, Rousseau, Locke, Nietzsche, Marx and Foucault, as well as relevant secondary texts. The course presents a philosophical analysis in the context of a film and discusses the extent to which the basic arguments of the texts are represented in the film, along with the philosophical features of the film in itself. The course also provides tools for being able to understand a film in terms of its content and structure.

Teaching and working methods

In the course, students read and analyze texts, participate in group work, write papers and are actively involved in seminar discussions. In addition, lectures are offered. Work with web resources may also be provided. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to the course. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to the course. Language of instruction: English

Examination

Active participation in seminar discussion is expected of the students. The course is examined by writing a paper. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department