Free Online Film Studies Course | IIT Madras Prof. Aysha Viswamohan
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 756 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, English Studies |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Language of Cinema: Your Guide to the "Introduction to Film Studies" Course
Have you ever watched a film and wondered about the choices behind the camera angle, the editing rhythm, or the use of color? Do terms like French New Wave, Film Noir, or Auteur Theory pique your curiosity? If so, the Introduction to Film Studies course offered by IIT Madras is your perfect starting point for a structured, academic journey into the world of moving images.
This comprehensive 12-week undergraduate course, led by the distinguished Prof. Aysha Viswamohan, is designed to transform you from a passive viewer into an informed critic and appreciator of cinema from across the globe.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Aysha Viswamohan
The course is helmed by Prof. Aysha Viswamohan, a professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Madras. Her expertise is both deep and wide-ranging, encompassing Film Studies, Fashion Studies, and American Literature.
Prof. Viswamohan is a prolific scholar, with publications in prestigious journals from Oxford, Cambridge, and Penn State University presses. Her recent edited books demonstrate a focused expertise in Indian and global cinema:
- Women in Contemporary Indian Films and Media (Routledge, 2025)
- Women Filmmakers in Hindi Cinema (Palgrave Macmillan, 2023)
- Stardom in Contemporary Hindi Cinema (Springer, 2020)
- Behind the Scenes: Contemporary Bollywood Directors (Sage, 2017)
Learning from an instructor of this caliber ensures that the course content is both academically rigorous and informed by cutting-edge research.
What Will You Learn? A 12-Week Cinematic Odyssey
The course is meticulously structured to build your understanding from foundational concepts to advanced analysis of specific movements, genres, and directors. It's more than just watching movies; it's about learning the grammar and vocabulary of film.
Core Modules and Key Themes
The 40-module layout can be grouped into several key thematic areas:
1. Foundational Film Theory & Analysis
You'll start by learning how to "read" a film. This section provides the essential toolkit for any film scholar.
- Cinema and Modernism
- Semiotics of Films (how films create meaning)
- Realism
- Editing in Cinema
- Character & Plot in Cinema
- Colour Theory and Cinema
- Ideology and Intertextuality in Films
2. Major World Cinema Movements
Travel through film history by exploring revolutionary styles that changed cinema forever.
- French New Wave: The rebellious, director-driven movement.
- German Expressionism: Stylized, dark, and psychologically intense.
- Italian Neo-Realism: Gritty, post-war stories of everyday life.
- Great European Directors: Deep dives into Jean Renoir, Luis Buñuel, and Robert Bresson.
3. Hollywood: Classic, New, and Beyond
Understand the engine of global popular cinema and its evolution.
- Classic Hollywood Studio System
- The Groundbreaking Cinema of Orson Welles
- New Hollywood of the 60s/70s
- Counterculture and Cinema
- Auteur Studies: Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Michael Mann, David Cronenberg
4. Film Genres and Forms
Analyze the rules, conventions, and subversions of popular categories.
- The Western
- Film Noir
- Gangster Cinema
- Melodrama
- Anthology Films & Films about Media
5. Global Cinema & Key Concepts
Expand your horizon beyond the West and consolidate your learning.
- Japanese Cinema
- Chinese Cinema
- Representations of Space (Small Town & City in Cinema)
- Film Remakes & Sequels
- Stardom
- Synthesis Modules: Key Film Texts and Key Concepts
Course Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Weeks |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Category | Humanities and Social Sciences, English Studies |
| Instructor | Prof. Aysha Viswamohan, IIT Madras |
| Intended Audience | Any Interested Learners |
| Pre-requisites | None. A passion for cinema is the only requirement. |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for:
- Students of literature, media, arts, and humanities looking to add film analysis to their skillset.
- Aspiring filmmakers, writers, and critics seeking a formal understanding of film language and history.
- Lifelong learners and cinephiles who want to move beyond casual viewing to a deeper appreciation of cinematic art.
- Professionals in marketing, communication, or content creation who want to understand the power of visual storytelling.
Ready to Begin Your Film Studies Journey?
The Introduction to Film Studies course by IIT Madras represents a unique opportunity to access world-class humanities education for free. Under the guidance of Prof. Aysha Viswamohan, you will embark on a structured exploration that will forever change how you watch, think, and talk about films.
To preview the extensive list of films that will be discussed and analyzed throughout the course, you can visit the dedicated IMDb list. Prepare to have your watchlist expanded with essential classics and groundbreaking works from around the world.
Enroll today and start deciphering the rich, complex, and beautiful language of cinema.
Enroll Now →