This film course offers an introduction to film studies through the work of the pioneering women who have worked in the Hollywood film industry, from the silent era to today. We will look at great directors, producers and editors, as well as women working across other roles in the film making process. We will also look at the Hollywood stars who have used their influence to change the film industry and open up opportunities for other women. The course will introduce you to the important role women have played in some of Hollywood's best known classic films.
Women in Hollywood
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings which take place in Oxford.
Overview
Programme details
Courses starts: 23 Feb 2026
Week 1: Pioneering female directors of the silent era
Week 2: Star power - from Mary Pickford to Jennifer Aniston
Week 3: The greatest editors - women leading the way
Week 4: The female producers behind hit movies
Week 5: pushing for equality - Women in Hollywood today
Recommended reading
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Continuing Education Library for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are welcome to use the Library for reference. More information can be found on the Library website.
There is a Guide for Weekly Class students which will give you further information.
Optional preparatory reading:
- Stock Image View Larger Image Women & New Hollywood: Gender, Creative Labor, and 1970s American Cinema / Kozma, Alicia
- Women Film Editors: Unseen Artists of American Cinema / Meuel, David
- Women vs Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Film / O'Hara, Helen
Certification
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £180.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Tutor
Mrs Kiri Walden
Kiri has been teaching Film and Cultural Studies at OUDCE for over a decade. She started her career working in various roles (behind and in front of the camera) in film and TV before becoming an author and lecturer. She has been lucky enough to work with many ground-breaking directors. She has written books (published by Bloomsbury and Liverpool University Press) about the history of British film studios, entertainment during WW2 and the Michael Powell film Peeping Tom. She has lectured for the BFI and Picturehouse cinemas at Powell & Pressburger-related events.
Course aims
This course will look at historical and contemporary films, introducing students to the work of women in the Hollywood film industry from the silent era to now. Studying example films and directors in detail will enable students to appreciate films with more confidence and gain a wider understanding of academic film criticism and analysis.
Objectives:
- To understand how women were involved in the foundation of Hollywood
- To understand how the role of women has changed over time and how and why women are still struggling for equality in the film industry
- To understand how women have worked in key roles that are less recognised but very important
- To introduce students to films and themes of discussion that are new to them
Teaching methods
This course is taught in seminar format. Each class will include a slide presentation, informal discussion and film clips. Further reading will be provided after each class for students who want to continue their studies outside the class.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
- understand and identify the historical context that has influenced the way in which women are employed in Hollywood
- understand the methods of filming techniques and appreciate how films are made;
- be able to confidently discuss the artistic merits of famous female Directors, Editors and Actors.
Assessment methods
This course is non-accredited, so there are no assessments.
Application
Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).
Level and demands
The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.