Islam, Orientalism and the Arabs in Film

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 focuses on the disparate modes of representation that separate the Muslim, Arab and Western media, and explores each world's cultural and ideological perspectives. This will be achieved by exploring the West's filmic codes and conventions that portray themselves and the Arab and Muslim 'others'. Intrinsic to these codes are Western modernity's two most dominant cinematic perspectives - the patriarchal 'Imperialist gaze' and the sexist 'Male gaze'. Students will gain analytical skills that assist them to uncover these gazes and the stereotyping practices in narrative cinema. They will also become aware of the subjectivities involved in the selection and editing processes of documentary filmmaking. The Eurocentric/Western conventions dominated by populist Hollywood cinema that provide us with an 'Orientalist' perspective of Islam are contrasted with the self-representation of filmmakers producing counter-cinema. Students will encounter Muslim and Arab perspectives on such important topics as migration, gender, sexuality and politics, as well as investigating themes of Imperialism, Orientalism and Post-Modernity. Students should complete this module with knowledge and an understanding of cinematic trends in the representation of Islam, Orientalism and the Arabs and of how film enables the viewer to identify with characters, places and situations. The module will also further considerably the students' historical and contemporary knowledge of the Muslim and Arab world.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• have developed an ability in critical thinking, and analysis and appreciation of film;

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

• have developed effective written communication skills.