Sexuality and Gender in Media Arts

Subject 760-424 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial and a two hour film screening per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: For BCA students 12.5 points of second year media arts. For BA students 37.5 points of second/third year gender studies or admission to the BA (Honours) in gender studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Graham Jones
Subject Overview:

This subject involves a study of the different ways in which sexuality and gender have been depicted in cinema (and other related visual practices). It places a strong emphasis on the study of 'masculinity' as an evolving form of cultural representation. Topics to be discussed include the theorisation of the 'gaze' (taking the female form as an object of erotic desire); relevant feminist theories of sexuality and gender; psychoanalytic theories of the 'fetish', sadomasochism, and cross-dressing; heterosexuality and homosexuality in Hollywood cinema and 'Independent film'; questions of gay 'visibility' and the emergence of 'Queer' cinema; debates concerning the legitimacy of pornography; and the recent 'crisis in masculinity' depicted in American mainstream film.

Assessment: Written work of 4000 words for 3rd year, and 5000 words for 4th year, comprising two essays of equal length 50% each (one due mid-semester and the second due at end of semester).Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without a formal extension and/or special consideration will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • identify the relevant issues concerning sexuality and gender indicative of contemporary cinema;

  • demonstrate a developed and analytical understanding of issues and theories relating to representation of these elements in contemporary cinema;

  • express a broadened awareness of how these issues impact on contemporary film making.

Notes:

Formerly available as 760-321. Students who have completed 760-321 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. BA students may credit this subject to an art history or gender studies major.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Creative Arts
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Teaching
Bachelor of Creative Arts(Honours)
Bachelor of Creative Arts(Honours)
Diploma in Arts (Gender Studies)
Diploma in Creative Arts
Master of Arts Management
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Gender Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts(Art History)
Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts

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