VAM4200

Film theory and criticism: part I

Proposed to be offered next in 2000

Deane Williams

12 points -4 hours per week -First semester -Clayton

Objectives By the completion of this subject students should demonstrate an understanding of the meanings and resonances of discourse theory as it applies to film; engage with the debates surrounding the discourses of postmodernism and poststructuralism as they apply to film; demonstrate an ability to critically engage with written and filmic texts in a clear and confident manner in both written and oral presentation.

Synopsis This seminar subject is primarily a reading course that will consider aspects of contemporary film theory. A major portion of the course will be devoted to the debates around postmodernism as they relate to film. Study will also include discourse theory, structuralism and poststructuralism, theories of ideology and phenomenology. Other areas of debate including narratology and discourse theory will be considered as they pertain to film and television. Film texts for exploration will include Australian, American, European and Asian cinemas.

Assessment First essay (2500 words): 25% -Second essay (3000 words): 35% -Long essay (3500 words): 40%

Preliminary reading

Stam R and others New vocabularies in film semiotics: Structuralism, post-structuralism and beyond Routledge, 1993

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