Postmodernism and the Cinema

Subject 107-431 (2008)

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

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour screening and a 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate certificate, diploma or fourth-year honours in cinema studies or 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 Felicity Colman
Subject Overview:

This subject will explore the relevance of postmodern theory for the cinema, in particular the problem of defining the postmodern. Students will discuss postmodernism's heterogeneity and intertextuality; cinematic pastiche and parody; the critique of the master discourses as they effect film narrative; the relationship between the avant-garde in film and postmodernism; issues of film spectatorship, gender and race; the traditional advocacy of classic art over popular culture. The subject will explore the writings (in relation to postmodernism and film) of Jean Baudrillard, Umberto Eco, Fredric Jameson, Linda Hutcheon, Vivian Sobchack and Kobena Mercer. On conclusion of the subject students should understand the meaning of 'postmodernism' and the reasons why the concept is difficult to define and the relevance of postmodernism for an analysis of the cinema in relation to form, style and content.

Assessment: A seminar presentation and written assessment 1500 40% (due during the semester) and an essay/film option assignment of 3500 words 60% (due at the 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: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able to critically account for the historical development of core theories of the 20th century;

  • develop their research and writing skills;

  • possess advanced skills of critical thinking and analysis;

  • possess an ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly, economically and effectively;#

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

Formerly available as 107-092. Students who have completed 107-092 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Cinema Management
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Cinema Studies)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Cultural Studies)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Gender Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Cinema Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Cultural Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Gender Studies)

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