Leader: Con Verevis

Offered

Berwick First semester 2008 (Day)
Caulfield First semester 2008 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)
Sunway First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This introductory unit aims to acquaint students with basic principles of contemporary film studies, including film theory and history. Topics to be discussed include: film narrative and formal analysis, film sound and editing, film genre and authorship, art cinema and national cinemas, documentary and experimental film practice. Attention will be paid to recent theories of film including those which address the socio-political significance of the medium and the ways in which it may reinforce conceptions of social and sexual identity. Film texts for exploration include those from Australian, American, European and Asian cinemas.

Objectives

By the completion of this subject students will be expected to have:

1. Acquired a sense of the scope of contemporary film studies.

2. Demonstrated an understanding of film form and various film genres.

3. Demonstrated an understanding of broad cultural and historical developments in film studies.

4. Developed skills in the analysis of film texts in relation to contemporary film theoretical debates.

5. Developed an ability to recognise and evaluate critical arguments.

Assessment

Essay 1 (1200 words): 20%
Essay 2 (2300 words): 50%
Visual test (1 hour): 20%
Tutorial participation: 10%

Contact hours

4 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture, 1 x 1 hour tutorial and 1 x 2 hour screening) per week