Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Film's ability to distort reality has often been considered a potential threat. However, film also affords us a unique opportunity to see the world in new ways. This course will use a variety of films, from popular classics to the avant-garde, as a basis for philosophical inquiry into concepts such as love, death, morality, reality, freedom, luck, memory, dreams, and existence. We will also consider films as vehicles for philosophical ideas and arguments, and will examine whether the ability of some films to 'think' about important issues means that they should, themselves be considered works of philosophy (filmosophy).

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject should have developed:

1. Skills to think analytically about film;
2. Skills to apply a range of philosophical theories/ perspectives to film;
3. Skills to understand philosophical concepts/ issues conveyed in film;
4. Skills to examine philosophical themes and concepts through their treatment in film.

Assessment

Assignment 1 (2000-word essay): 40%
Assignment 2(2000-word essay): 40%
Exam (2 hours): 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Monima Chadha

Contact hours

Two weeks each of three 2-hour lectures and three 2-hour tutorials

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Philosophy

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/philosophy/ugrad/firstyear/phl1090.php