​​​​Warren Buckland​

Warren Buckland's research interests:

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(1) Film Theory (semiotics, cognitive film theory);

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(2) Narrative Theory (puzzle films, unreliable narration);

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(3) Digital Humanities (statistical style analysis, stylometric analysis of screenplays).

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Teaching:

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My approach to teaching mixes three overlapping styles: deep learning, integration of theoretical and practical knowledge, and hands-on experience.

 

• Deep learning is based on the close reading of texts (both academic and film texts).

• Bridging theory/practice makes film studies a more relevant discipline, due to the type of knowledge it generates.

• Humanities Computing is taught in a computer lab and focuses on big data and distant reading.

 

Deep learning attempts to avoid surface learning (a broad, sweeping, superficial survey of huge amounts of information).

 

The core of a pedagogy that integrates film theory and film practice consists of the shot-by-shot analysis of film sequences in order to study what Vlada Petric calls 'cinematic strategy' - a filmmaker's shooting procedures and methods.

 

Humanities Computing is taught via practical activities such as the statistical analysis of box office figures; the statistical analysis of film style; and the data mining of big data - including film reviews, Twitter, and screenplays.

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