This course will take place online, for a reduced rate of Full £95 / Conc. £71
These top-rated films are: Duck Soup (Leo McCarey, USA, 1933), Groundhog Day (Harold Ramis, USA, 1993), Annie Hall (Woody Allen, USA, 1977), Dr. Strangelove (Stanley Kubrick, UK, 1964), and Some Like It Hot (Billy Wilder, USA, 1959). This course will involve a combination of viewing and analysing film extracts, tutor presentations, and class discussions.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in film and a curiosity to learn more about cinema. You are not required to have any prior knowledge of or familiarity with the films we’ll be discussing.
Will I need any equipment or materials?
This course will be held via Zoom. You need a computer/laptop or mobile phone to access the Zoom website, and a reliable internet connection. For further information on how to join a Zoom meeting, you can watch the joining video here.
You will also need either a notebook and pen to take notes, or a digital equivalent. You are not required to purchase any textbooks or DVDs.
Will I be assessed?
There is no formal assessment for courses at Bishopsgate Institute. However, to monitor your learning and progress, tutors will assess your participation in classroom activities.
You will learn
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify aesthetic qualities of the selected films
- Describe production contexts of the selected films
- Recognise distinguishing qualities of the filmmakers’ work.
Meet the Tutor
Hilary Smith
Hilary Smith is a lecturer in film studies at Birkbeck, University of London, and has also taught at City University London, Imperial College London and Arcadia University.
She has a professional background in film curation and arts administration, and was formerly a curator and programme manager for BFI Southbank (also known as the National Film Theatre) at the British Film Institute.
She has received a Distinguished Teaching and Scholarship Award for "an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning".
Course Overview
Week 1
What makes a classic comedy film?
By the end of the session you should be able to identify approaches taken to the evaluation and categorisation of films.
Week 2
Duck Soup (Leo McCarey, USA, 1933)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film, and contextual factors of the film’s production and reception.
Week 3
Groundhog Day (Harold Ramis, USA, 1993)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film, and contextual factors of the film’s production and reception.
Week 4
Annie Hall (Woody Allen, USA, 1977)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film, and contextual factors of the film’s production and reception.
Week 5
Dr. Strangelove (Stanley Kubrick, UK, 1964)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film, and contextual factors of the film’s production and reception.
Week 6
Some Like It Hot (Billy Wilder, USA, 1959)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film, and contextual factors of the film’s production and reception.
Need to Know
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