VSA4042

Historical film theory and criticism

(ART)

Deane Williams

12 points + 2 hours plus 2 hour screening per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: Two units at second or third-year level in visual culture or comparative literature and cultural studies

Synopsis: This unit examines some concepts in the history of film theory by considering a number of theoretical and critical writings in relation to a range of films. Topics for examination include early silent film theory, the notion of the historical avant-garde in the form of French impressionism, the film theories of Kracauer and Bazin, French new wave criticism, the neglected tradition of realist phenomenology in film theory, 1968 and the leftist turn and the question of film language and structuralism.

Assessment: Essay (4500 words): 45% + Second essay (4500 words): 45% + Seminar participation: 10%