Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The unit traces the development of theories of authorship and genre in film & television. The study of authorship and genre involves a variety of historical, industrial and critical assumptions. This unit examines how notions of genre and authorship develop in the post-WWII period and how these concepts persist in contemporary debates in film & television as broad discursive practices. In this mapping, film & television genre and authorship are understood as part of an interdependent relationship of production, text and reception. This investigation of genres and authorship will be conducted through a range of historical and contemporary film & television examples, local and international.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit students will be expected to demonstrate:

1. an understanding of the historical development of theories of authorship and genre in film and television;
2. a critical understanding of the social and political functions of contemporary film and television authorship and genre;
3. an ability to define and critically engage with specific forms of authorship and genre analysis in film and television;
4. an understanding of how the notion of intertextuality relates to theories of authorship and genre and to other notions of repetition and remaking in film, television and other media;
5. an ability to engage with written and visual (screen) texts in a clear and confident manner in both written and oral presentation;
6. an ability to develop and employ research skills in data collection in the service of advanced critical writing.

Assessment

Written work: 90% (8500 words)
Tutorial participation and paper (500 words): 10%

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar and one 2-hour screening per week

Prerequisites

Honours degree (or equivalent) in Film and television or approved discipline