Hong Kong Cinema

Subject 106-014 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture, a 2-hour film screening and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Usually fifty points of first year arts. Completion of either 106-101 or 107-132 is strongly recommended.

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

Contact

Audrey Yue

aisy@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines contemporary Hong Kong cinema as a seminal cultural formation constituted in local, regional and global flows. Particular to this is the screening of an alternative Asian modernity expressed through postcolonial-postmodernity, dis-appearance and the preposterous. Students will understand these articulations by exploring cinematic practices such as Hong Kong noir, action, horror and martial arts cultures, Canto-pop and the Hollywood remake. Films discussed in detail include award-winning popular films by Jackie Chan, John Woo, Johnny To, Wong Kar-wai, Stanley Kwan, Clara Law and Ann Hui. Students completing this subject should have a strong critical and historical knowledge of Hong Kong modernity, Hong Kong cinema and its politics of transition, and their relation to global media and contemporary culture.

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to understand Hong Kong cinema as a cultural formation constituted in an alternative modernity (e.g. Hong Kong modernity);
be able to appreciate Hong Kong modernity as shaped by the conditions of postcolonial-postmodernity, disappearance and the preposterous;
be able to express how Hong Kong modernity has produced an indigenous culture (the New and Second Waves) which has in turn transformed regional and global mediascapes;
be competent in the application of distinct cultural forms such as Canto-pop, Hong kong noir, martial arts, kinaesthetic action, postcolonial horror and the remake as they relate to the politics of transition.
Assessment:

One essay of 1500 words 40% due mid-semester, and one essay of 2500 words 60 % due at the end of the semester. Students are advised to consult the following web address for details of assessment penalities whichapply to this subject http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/policy/assessment/policy/penalities.html.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

  • Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Film:), Ang Lee, 2000
  • Happy Together (Film:), Wong Kar-wai, 1997
  • Autumn Moon (Film:), Clara Law, 1992
  • Infernal Affairs (Film:), Wai Keung Lau, 2002
  • Once Upon a Time in China (Film:), Tsui Hark, 1991
  • Song of the Exile (Film:), Ann Hui, 1990
  • Kill Bill (Film:), Quentin Tarantino, 2003-4
  • A Chinese Ghost Story (Film:), Ching Siu-tung, 1987
  • Center Stage (Film:), Stanley Kwan, 1992
  • Rouge (Film:), Stanley Kwan, 1987
  • Rush Hour (Film:), Brett Ratner, 1998
  • In the Mood for Love (Film:), Wong Kar-wai, 2000
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • possess advanced research and analytic skills;

  • show critical and ethical self-awareness;

  • have the ability to develop and communicate effective arguments in both oral and written form;

  • have advanced skills in media and information literacy and management.

Notes: This subject is available to pre-2008 Bachelor of Arts students for credit to 2nd or 3rd year of the major in Cinema or Cultural Studies.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Chinese Studies Major
Cinema & Cultural Studies
Cinema Studies Major
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies Major
English

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