Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

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

Notes

Synopsis

This unit examines the growth and development of Asian cinema as a critical category in film studies. Beginning with the distinction between national cinemas and regional cinema, the course will provide methods and frameworks for considering the unique films being produced from this part of the world. Specific attention will be paid to transnational Chinese cinemas (from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong) - both in their popular and art forms - and to the cinema of South East Asia (in particular Singapore). The unit will also consider more recent pan-Asian productions and diasporic cinemas including Asian Australian cinema.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the subject students will be expected to have demonstrated

1. an ability to discuss both Asian art cinema and popular Asian film texts in ways that show some understanding of generic considerations (star and studio systems, and popular film genres), cultural differences and historical specificity (the relation of national cinemas to indigenous cultural forms and changing national ideologies);
2. a general theoretical awareness of the problematic of cross cultural readings ('Orientalism' in the postcolonial era; constructions of 'the Orient' and Asia in Australian culture); and
3. some understanding of how cinema has developed across national film industries in Asia (e.g. China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Chinese diaspora).

Assessment

Essay (2250 words): 50%
Class presentation (450 words): 10%
Visual test (80 mins, equivalent to 1350 words): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Olivia Khoo

Contact hours

One 2 hour seminar and one 2 hour screening per week

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

Film and television studies
Asian studies

Prerequisites

One unit in Visual Culture or Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies at first year level, or VSA2190, or with permission

Prohibitions

VSA3670