Film, archive and digital culture

7.5 credits

This course discusses questions to do with archives and digitalisation – questions that are relevant for documentary filmmakers, film producers, artists, curators, future teachers, librarians, film buffs, and cinephiles, among others. It discusses which of the world’s films are easily accessible – and which are running the risk of falling into oblivion. How is it that some films are stored in archives, whereas others are long since lost? From a historical point of view, what considerations have guided the building of the various film archives in the world? What is most important: to see to it that films are stored and protected, in order for them to survive for as long as possible, or to make them easily accessible and show them? And what does digitalisation entail in terms of future possibilities to experience and research films from the past? The course also discusses politics and power: Who decides what films should be stored for the future? And how do we choose what films should be digitalised, or what films should be made accessible to the public? The course explores the significance for film studies of physical and digital film archives, and raises questions about the materiality of moving images. The concept of archive is problematised and the students formulate questions on the basis of the course literature, in independent projects focusing on one or several digital film archives.

Distance – study where you are

Perhaps you would like to study in the Swedish mountains, in a big city, or at home close to family? Many of our programmes and courses are offered in distance format.

Studying at a distance can be done in different ways, either entirely without physical gatherings or with only a few gatherings on campus or at one of our learning centres. The common denominator is that a large part of your studies takes place online. You communicate with the teacher and other students through a learning platform that includes discussion forums, opportunities for group work, and digital meetings. In many cases, you will also have access to recorded lectures via the learning platform.

The benefit of distance studies is the flexibility, something that is valuable if you want to be free to decide when and where you want to study. Some compulsory elements on you course or programme may take place during office hours, even though they are online.

Learn more about studying at a distance.

Student working from home

Build your own degree

Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.