Study Guide

Objectives

The goal of the course is to develop the student's skills and understanding for a detailed dramaturgical analysis of films.

After completing the course, the student
- can break down a feature-length fiction film into scenes.
- understands the dramaturgical significance of scenes as part of a larger whole.
- knows how scenes, acts, and sequences are structured in a typical feature film.
- is familiar with the most common tools for structuring information in film storytelling.
- recognises the functions of different characters within the overall dramaturgy of the film

Content

The structure of a feature-length fiction film.
Scene-by-scene breakdown and dramaturgical analysis of the film.
Common tools in film storytelling.
The roles and orchestration of characters in the film.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student can break down scenes of a long fiction film, but the understanding of the dramatic significance of scenes and their role in the larger context remains somewhat limited. Knowledge of the distribution of scenes, acts, and sequences in a typical feature film is situational. The student recognises common narrative structuring tools but has a somewhat superficial understanding of the functions of different characters in the dramaturgical entirety of a film.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student can break down scenes of a long fiction film and understands the dramatic significance of scenes as part of a larger whole. They know how scenes, acts, and sequences are distributed in a typical feature film. The student recognises common narrative structuring tools and the functions of different characters in the dramaturgical entirety of a film, and they can apply this knowledge.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can deconstruct scenes from a long fiction film, comprehends the dramaturgical significance of scenes within a larger context exceptionally well. They possess a thorough understanding of how scenes, acts, and sequences are structured in a typical feature film. The student demonstrates an extensive and profound recognition of the most common narrative structuring tools in filmmaking. They have a clear understanding of the functions of various characters in the dramaturgical entirety of a film and can apply this knowledge creatively and innovatively.