ATS2373 - Visualising cultures: Film and ethnography - 2017

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.

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.

Within semester assessment: 80% + Exam: 20%

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

TBA

Indigenous cultures and histories

Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units. It is highly recommended that students only take this unit after they have completed two gateway units in Anthropology.

COS2170 and ATS3373