Spectacles: Museums to Theme Parks

This subject is not offered in 2008.

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

This subject is taught in the United States during a study tour. The subject is concerned with exploring the concept of spectacle and display in contemporary urban environments. The focus will be on key spectacle venues in selected cities of the US: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando. The primary models of analysis will be the museum and the theme park, and their role and function as spectacular spaces within the twenty-first century city. The impact of new media technologies within the contexts of consumerism and 'infotainment' will be explored through specific case studies found in the theme park and museum sectors. Cinematic and spectacular features of these microcosms of culture will be tested against current arguments concerned with the 'empty spectacle' of our postmodern era. Attention will be drawn to the theme park-logic that infiltrates these urban structures as evidenced especially in the city of Las Vegas. Sites to be visited will include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Film and Television, the Frick Museum, Museum of the American Indian, Rockefeller Center/NBC studios, the Picture Palaces, Disneyland/Disneyworld, Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, Getty Museums, Huntington Library/Museum, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Vegas casino/theme parks.

Information Not Available

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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

Special entry conditions apply. Itinerary and travel arrangements available from Australians Studying Abroad. Prospective students must register with ASA prior to approval of enrolment at http://www.asatravinfo.com.au. This is an intensive 23-day fieldwork program in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando and New York. Strict enrolment deadlines apply to subjects taught intensively. Any enrolment in, or withdrawal from, this subject must be made in line with HECS/course fee census dates.