VSA4040

Film theory and film criticism: part 1

Proposed to be offered next in 2000

Deane Williams

10 points - 4 hours per week - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: Two subjects at second-year level in visual culture, comparative literature and cultural studies or history

Objectives This subject aims to enable students to: explore and engage with issues in contemporary film theory; extend the skills acquired in earlier years with specific emphasis on the close examination of written texts; 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 is primarily a reading subject that will consider aspects of contemporary film theory. A major portion of the subject will be devoted to the debates around postmodernism as they relate to film. Other areas for study will include discourse theory, structuralism and poststructuralism, theories of ideology and phenomenology. Film texts for exploration will include Australian, American, European and Asian cinemas.

Assessment Essay (3500-4000 words): 45% - Essay (3500-4000 words): 45% - Seminar participation: 10%

Preliminary reading

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

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