Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis A study of Indonesian cinema since the coming of independence in 1950, examining the Indonesian cinema both as an industry and as a site of expression for Indonesian artists, and of a unique and varied popular culture, in the context of a changing political climate and intense government regulation. Attention will be paid throughout the subject to the historical, political, cultural and religious backgrounds of Indonesian society; and films and other material will be included that explore both traditional aspects of Indonesian society (Islam and Hindu-Buddhism) and modernity (the Indonesian avant-garde and independents). The subject will also include screenings and discussion of news items on Indonesian government television (TVRI), and discussion of structural change in the media with the introduction and rapid expansion of commercial television in Indonesia, and the availability of outside information via satellite. There will also be some discussion of Thai and Filipino cinema, and a general introduction to the various situations of the media in the ASEAN countries.
Assessment Essay (3000 words): 30% + Second essay (3000 words): 35% + Special study paper (1500 words): 15% + Visual test (1.5 hours): 20%