University of St Andrews Cinema, Ideas and Society

Cinema, Ideas and Society is a University of St Andrews summer course for students interested in cinema and the wider questions it raises. The course is especially relevant for those considering study in cinema-related areas as well as connected disciplines such as philosophy, social studies and anthropology.

The programme takes a seminar-led approach and explores key concepts and theories from Film Studies, including how cinema helps us understand the world and our place in it. Students engage with philosophical and anthropological questions through film, alongside topic examples such as mediated truth, documentary, politics of spectatorship, film realities, and rites of passage.

Learning combines lectures, film viewings, seminars, group work and independent study. University staff and experienced graduate students deliver the teaching, and students also have the chance to learn about professional film criticism and film-related career opportunities in Scotland.

On successful completion, participants receive an official certificate from the University of St Andrews.