VAM5200 - Historical Film Theory and Criticism

Leader: Deane Williams

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

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%
Fifth-year students will be expected to read more widely and work at a higher level.

Contact hours

4 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar and 1 x 2 hour screening) per week

Prerequisites

2 units at 2nd or 3rd year level in Visual Culture or Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies