HSY2225

History and Film: Nazi Germany and the Jewish Holocaust ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Bain Attwood

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit explores the nature of film as history, using Nazi Germany and the Jewish Holocaust as case studies. It will consider temporary newsreels, photographs and feature films, as well as historical documentaries and feature films, in the course of examining the role of film in past times, the influence of these upon historical understanding since, the strengths and weaknesses of historical film, the criteria historians should adopt to critically assess filmed history, and the part historians have played in film-making.

Objectives: Students successfully completing this subject will be able to understand: 1. The nature of historical film in its various forms. 2. The criteria for assessing the merits of historical film, and the ways film differs from other forms of historical representation. 3. The influence of film in the past and upon later historical understanding. 4. The role of historians in film-making.

Assessment: Film commentary (1000 words): 25% + Long essay (2500 words): 40% + Test (1000 words): 25% + tutorial participation: 10%

Contact Hours: 3 hours a week, comprising of films, lectures and tutorials

Prerequisites: A first year sequence in History or permission

Prohibitions: HSY3225