VSA3280

France on Film (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Philip Anderson and Leigh Astbury

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2003 (Day)

Synopsis: Unit (no background in French language or history required) will introduce students to a variety of French films, with particular emphasis on recent material by leading contemporary directors. Students will view and discuss films by directors such as Audiard, Beineix, Besson, Godard, Rivette, Techine and Zonka. The unit aims to develop an awareness of different critical approaches and of specific cinematic genres and styles (from the New Wave to postmodernism) on the one hand, and the interaction between films and their social and cultural contexts on the other. The unit will cover social issues such as the malaise of youth, consumerism, urban problems and women's position in society.

Assessment: Visual Test (1.5 hours): 30% + Essay (3000words): 60% + Class Participation: 10% + In the essay 3rd year students will be expected to develop a deeper theoretical understanding of a text of their choice not studied in class.