Contemporary Australian Cinema

Subject 670-354 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - 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: 2-hr film screening a 1-hr lecture and a 1-hr 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

Coordinator

Prof Jeanette Hoorn

Contact

Jeanette Hoorn

jjhoorn@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Global and national forces have shaped world cinema from its inception in the late nineteenth century. How, then, do we define a national cinema? This subject will examine the various factors that help shape and define the nature of the Australian film industry. Through an examination of a wide range of films made in Australia and abroad by local and international directors, actors and crews, that were funded by sources as diverse as multi-national corporations, governments and smaller organizations, this subject will explore the nature of the Australian film industry. Beginning with silent cinema, the subject examines the work of British, French and American directors who have worked in the Australian film industry. Focus will be on the development of the local industry and the emergence of national themes as well as the impact of Hollywood, of the British, European and later, Asian cinematic traditions, on the Australian cinematic tradition. Discussion will focus also on the role of auteur directors such as Gillian Armstrong, Phillip Noyce, Peter Weir, Jane Campion and Baz Luhrman. The representation of class, ethnicity, race and gender and such themes as mono-culturalism, assimilation, xenophobia and cosmopolitanism will be explored.

Objectives: Students who sucessfully complete this subject will have a thorough knowledge of the theory and history of globalization and its influence on films produced in Australia and by Australian directors working outside Australia in the contemporary period;
have a thorough knowledge of the theoretical debates informing Australian cinema studies and the impact of international film theory on Australian film culture.
Assessment:

A 2000 word tutorial paper 40%(due during semester) and a 3000-word essay 60% (due during the examination period). Students are advised to consult the following web address for details of assessment penalities which apply to this subject http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/policy/assessment/policy/penalities.html.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

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:
  • be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

  • possess effective written communication skills;

  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

Notes:

Formerly availble as 107-087 Contemporary Australian Cinema. Students who have previously completed 107-087 The Global Australian Cinema or 107-087 Contemporary Australian Cinema and 107-085 Australian Cinema are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject is available to students enrolled in the BA prior to 2008 at either 2nd or 3rd year level and can be credited to a major in either Cinema or Cultural Studies.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Bachelor of Creative Arts
Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies Major
Australian Studies Major
Cinema & Cultural Studies
Cinema Studies Major
Cultural Studies Major

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