Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

The unit traces the development of theories of authorship and genre in film and 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 and television as broad discursive practices. In this mapping, film and 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 and 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