units

ATS2373

Faculty of Arts

Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

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

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
OfferedNot offered in 2012
Coordinator(s)Charlotte Setijadi-Dunn

Notes

Previously coded ANY2170

Synopsis

This unit explores the relation between film and ethnography by examining how cultures are 'visualised' - documented and represented on celluloid, usually in productions that are aimed at an educational audience rather than one that seeks pure entertainment. The ethical responsibilities of the filmmaker, the political dimension of filmic representation and the practical problems of recording another culture without 'exoticising' it will be studied. The unit also explores the issue of when visual representation can be more (or less) effective than textual discussions.

Outcomes

Students in this subject can expect to:

  1. Become familiar with a range of ethnographic films.
  2. Further their understanding of issues involved in the politics of representation.
  3. Situate ethnographic film in relation to both a written tradition of ethnography and other filmed products.
  4. Develop their capacity to apply theories 'visually' as well as 'textually'.
  5. Improve written and oral skills in presenting, discussing and evaluating ideas and issues in anthropology by studying particular films in some detail.

Assessment

Written work and film reviews: 70%
Exam: 20%
Participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Charlotte Setijadi-Dunn

Contact hours

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

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

Anthropology

Prerequisites

Appropriate first-year ANY sequence or by permission

Prohibitions

COS2170 and ATS3373