British Cinema: Forging Films in the Face of Hollywood Dominance

Overview

This course provides the opportunity to study British cinema and the industry which creates it. A wide range of films are viewed and discussed, both as industrial case studies and as meaningful texts in their own right. The module explores theoretical models which can shed light upon the economics of film; examines the historical formation of the production, distribution and exhibition sectors in the UK; and investigates the complex relationship between cinema and state. The medium of film is also used to examine cultural and social issues which are central to Britain's history and national identity.

Programme details

Seminar 1 : Sun, 9.00am – 10.30am

British National Cinema and Nationalism

Seminar 2 : Sun, 11.00am – 12.30pm

Transnational British Hollywood Blockbusters

Seminar 3 : Mon, 9.00am – 10.30am

British Art Cinema

Seminar 4 : Mon, 11.00am – 12.30pm

From British TV to Cinema

VISIT TO THE WARNER BROTHERS STUDIO

Seminar 5 : Tue, 9.00am – 10.30am

The British Documentary Movement

Seminar 6 : Tue, 11.00am – 12.30pm

Genre 1: The British Gangster Film

Seminar 7 : Wed, 9.00am – 10.30am

Genre 2: The British Heritage Film

Seminar 8 : Wed, 11.00am – 12.30pm

Genre 3: The British Horror Film

Seminar 9 : Thu, 9.00am – 10.30am

Genre 4: The British Social Realist Film

Seminar 10 : Thu, 11.00am – 12.30pm 

Scottish Cinema

Seminar 11 : Fri, 9.00am – 10.30am

Irish Cinema

Seminar 12 : Fri, 11.00am – 12.30pm

The Great British Directors from Alfred Hitchcock to Clio Barnard

Fees

Description Costs
Programme Fee (No Accommodation - inc. Tuition, Lunch & Dinner) £1090.00
Programme Fee (Standard Single Room - inc. Tuition and Meals) £1775.00
Programme Fee (Standard Twin Room - inc. Tuition and Meals) £1510.00
Programme Fee (Superior Single Room - inc. Tuition and Meals) £1805.00
Programme Fee (Superior Twin Room - inc. Tuition and Meals) £1545.00

Funding

Concessionary rates are available on a non-residential basis for those that qualify, more information can be found here

Unfortunately we do not offer any specific scholarships or funding opportunities for OUSSA programme, but you can visit our departmental funding webpage, where you may be able to find a particular source of funding that matches your requirements alongside meeting the funding criteria.

Payment

All fees are charged on a per week, per person basis.

Please be aware that all payments made via non-UK credit/debit cards and bank accounts are subject to the exchange rate on the day they are processed.

Tuition and meals are included in the programme fee, with both residential and non-residential options available.

Course change administration fee: Please note that course transfers may be permitted in exceptional circumstances; however, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions, an administration fee of £50 will be charged.

Payment terms

  • If enrolling online: full payment by credit/debit card at the time of booking
  • If submitting an application form: full payment online by credit/debit card or via bank transfer within 30 days of invoice date

Cancellations and Refunds

1. Cancellation by you

Participants who wish to cancel must inform the Programme Administrator in writing: by email to oussa@conted.ox.ac.uk or by post to OUSSA, OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, OXFORD, OX1 2JA, UK.

The following cancellation and refund policy applies in all cases:

  • Cancellation within 14 days of online enrolment / payment of fees – full refund of all fees paid.
  • Cancellations received up to and including 30 April 2023 – OUDCE will retain an administration fee of £100 per week booked; all other fees paid will be refunded.
  • Cancellations received between 1-31 May 2023 – OUDCE will retain 60% of the fees paid; the remaining 40% of fees paid will be refunded.
  • Cancellations received on and after 1 June 2023 - no refunds will be made.

2. Cancellation by us

OUDCE reserves the right to cancel a course where there is good reason, for example, if exceptionally low enrolment would make it educationally unviable. In these cases we will refund the course fees that you have already paid. If we cancel a course, our liability is limited to the fees that we have received from you; this means that we will not compensate you for any pre-booked travel costs or any other expenses incurred.

Where course fees have been paid in currencies other than pounds sterling, refunds will be subject to the exchange rate on the day they are processed.

The status of this course will be reviewed on 1 May 2023. If it is likely that the course may be cancelled, all those affected will be notified by email within 7 days; if you have not heard from OUDCE by 8 May 2023, you should assume that your course will be running. You may wish to delay finalising your travel arrangements until after this date.

3. Travel insurance 

The Department cannot be held responsible for any costs you may incur in relation to travel or accommodation bookings as a result of a course cancellation, or if you are unable to attend the course for any other reason. You are advised to check cancellation policies carefully and to purchase travel insurance.

Tutor

Dr Pete Turner

Tutor

Peter Turner is a senior lecturer at Oxford Brookes University where he teaches on the Film, Digital Media Production, and Media, Communications and Culture courses. He is the author of Found Footage Horror Films: A Cognitive Approach and a monograph on The Blair Witch Project as part of Auteur’s Devil’s Advocates series.

Course aims

This course aims to examine the historical formation of the production, distribution and exhibition sectors in the UK and their interrelationship with Hollywood so that students can research and write an essay on the topic.

Teaching methods

Participants will be taught in seminar groups of up to 12 people. The teaching methods used during this course will include:

  • Short lectures/presentations
  • Physical handouts
  • Seminars/group discussions

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be expected to understand:

  • the context of films in the larger framework of British and European culture and society
  • the relationship between the aesthetic qualities of British films and their cultural and economic contexts
  • the political and cultural context of the UK film industry
  • how British directors and genres have negotiated working within the British and Hollywood industries

Assessment methods

Students are assessed during the summer school by either a 1500 word written assignment or a presentation supported by individual documentation. To successfully gain credit (10 CATS points) students should attend all classes and complete the on-course assignment. There is also a pre-course assignment of 1000 words set. Although this does not count towards credit, it is seen as an important way of developing a student's ideas and therefore its completion is mandatory.

Application

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

More information about our accommodation can be found here