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Teaching
The course structure
The Film and Screen Studies MPhil is a nine-month course that runs from October to June of any given academic year. Students are expected to submit coursework and a dissertation during the year, as follows:
Michaelmas Term: Core Course
During the first term of study, students attend weekly seminars and film screenings designed to give them a broad insight into moving image theory and culture. Half of the core course focuses on combining the study of classical and contemporary film and visual theory; the other half homes in on specialised historiographic and theoretical problems in the study of moving image media. The course is, thus, both intensively grounding and intellectually expansive. At the end of this term, students submit one essay. The essay focuses on a specific theoretical framework or critical approach.
Lent Term: Modules
Students can choose from a range of module options. Some focus on the moving image, others are shared with different MPhils (e.g. European, Latin American and Comparative Literatures and Cultures) and other Faculties/Centres within the University, such as English and Latin American Studies, among others. The list of modules can change from year to year depending on the availability of academic staff.
During the Lent term, students attend weekly group seminars led by the module convenor, lasting 1.5 to two hours per week per module. Two essays are submitted at the end of the Lent term.
Examples of modules that may be offered can be seen on the Faculty web pages.
Easter Term: dissertation
During this term, students write a dissertation. The dissertation must represent a contribution to learning. The dissertation must be written in English. The arrangements for their preparation are similar to those for the essays. Titles are chosen by students, in consultation with module convenors and/or prospective supervisors, and then have to be approved by the Faculty Degree Committee.
Topics and precise dissertation titles must be submitted by a specific deadline in the Lent term. Up to this point, the course director is the titular supervisor of MPhil students, but once the dissertation topics are approved, a specialist supervisor is appointed for each student.
Research Events
Students are expected to take part in fortnightly research events that take place across the Michaelmas and Lent terms. Leading scholars in film and screen studies will deliver lectures and also meet with students in master class seminars. Participation in these events allows students to engage intensely but also informally with innovative researchers.
| One to one supervision | Seven hours per year (one hour for each of the three essays, plus four hours for the dissertation). The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes | Approximately 64 hours per year (32 hours of core course seminars, 18 hours of Lent term module seminars plus at least eight hours of research seminars). |
Feedback
Feedback on the essays and dissertation are provided in the form of a written report.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students will be asked to submit a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. The examiners have the option to conduct an oral examination with the candidate.
Essays
Students will be asked to submit three 4,500-word essays.
Other
Students are asked to submit a non-assessed dossier of short critical responses to research seminars.