AMU2448 - Film genres - 2017

This unit introduces learners to a wide variety of film genres. They include traditional genres such as the western, melodrama, noir, the musical and horror, as well as newer ones like the biopic and the martial arts film. Learners will consider the socio-cultural and historical influences on genres, and in some cases, understand significant differences between Western and non-Western works within a particular genre. Theoretical concepts related to the study of genres, such as intertextuality and hybridity, will also be emphasized.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students should be able to:

1. Identify the conventions associated with film genres;
2. Evaluate the differences between Western and non-Western works classified under a particular genre;
3. Interpret genre using concepts like intertextuality and hybridity, and how they are part of what constitute a genre;
4. Write a detailed research into a specific genre;
5. Explain the ways in that genres are socio-culturally and historically determined and often ambiguous and tend to encompass divergent, even contradictory;
6. Evaluate the ambiguous nature of genres in terms of their apparently contradiction; i.e. being bound by certain conventions while simultaneously transgressing them.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Jonathan Driskell

Communication, media and screen studies

Screen studies

Writing

Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units.

ATS2448