London Imagined Short Courses
The London Imagined short course explores the great labyrinth of London as we experience it in films, novels, images, and memory. It is aimed at all who would like to explore the city through imagination and narrative, whether lifelong residents or more recent arrivals.
The course will appeal to professional and aspiring practitioners engaged in the creative industries through filmmaking or writing, and will extend their engagement with the analysis and practice of their creative field. A wide and diverse range of London material is discussed, including novels, music, souvenirs, and many film extracts spanning the history of cinema. Weekly topics explore how various subjects (for example, the river, crime, solitude, or particular districts) function in London stories. One session is given over to the screening and analysis of a complete London film, and the final sessions explore the role of memory and experience in psycho-geographic accounts of the metropolis. One field trip will reach out into the city.
The course will appeal to professional and aspiring practitioners engaged in the creative industries through filmmaking or writing, and will extend their engagement with the analysis and practice of their creative field. A wide and diverse range of London material is discussed, including novels, music, souvenirs, and many film extracts spanning the history of cinema. Weekly topics explore how various subjects (for example, the river, crime, solitude, or particular districts) function in London stories. One session is given over to the screening and analysis of a complete London film, and the final sessions explore the role of memory and experience in psycho-geographic accounts of the metropolis. One field trip will reach out into the city.
Course Information
| Start Date | Start Time | Duration | Cost | Course Code | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 19 January 2012 | 18:30 - 20:30 | 10 weekly classes | £330.00 | CE1638 | Course Cancelled |
Tutor Info
Paul Colbeck has an MA from the University of the Arts, London and a Postgraduate Higher Education teaching qualification. He also teaches at Central St Martins College and at City Lit. A lifelong resident of, and enthusiast for, the great mystery that is London, he has worked in variety of creative fields including theatre and film, and now pursues personal projects inspired by cities and early modes of photography.
Eligibility
No prior knowledge is required.
The willingness to engage with a variety of fictional material is expected.
English Requirements
An ability to read and discuss texts in English and comprehend English film dialogue is desirable.What will I learn?
- To describe the ways in which narrative evokes London.
- To analyse the contribution of cultural artefacts such as films, novels, and music to the recognised identity of the city.
- To recognise the role of historical context, genre, and metaphor in representations of London.
- To recognise common themes and connections in diverse fictional accounts of London through the study of film extracts and readings.
Teaching and Assessment
The London Imagined short course is taught using a series of case studies consisting of screenings, readings, images, audio, and other references. For some sessions students may be asked to bring their reflections on the material previously studied. As well as relevant handouts, summary notes are provided relating to every session.Recommended Reading
Adams, Anna (ed.) (2003) London in Poetry and Prose (London: Enitharmon)
Ali, Monica (2003) Brick Lane (London: Black Swan Books)
Brunsdon, Charlotte (2007) London in Cinema, the Cinematic City since 1945 (London: BFI)
Dickens, C. (1999 edition) Little Dorrit (London: Penguin Classics)
Sandhu, Sukdev (2007) Night Haunts-A journey through the London night (London: Verso)
Sinclair, Iain (ed.) (2007) London, City Disappearances (London: Penguin)
Waters, S. (2000) Affinity (London: Virago)