Surrealism and the Cinema

Subject 107-246 (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 2-hour screening, a 1-hour lecture 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
Subject Overview:

This subject is a study of the origins, aims and features of surrealist film-making from its beginnings in dada to its contemporary manifestations in the films of Luis Bunuel and David Lynch. Topics will include surrealist politics; surrealist art; the marvellous; Hollywood influences; mad love; theatre of cruelty; and surrealist influences in comics, video clips and advertising. Students who successfully complete the subject should understand the origins of surrealist film-making; understand the political and social aims of the surrealist filmmakers; and appreciate the characteristics of avant-garde forms of artistic and filmic expression.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will understand the origins of surrealist filmmaking in related cultural and political forms such as Dada, art, poetry and automatic writing;
understand the political and social aims of the surrealist filmmakers;
appreciate the characteristics of avant-garde forms of artistic and filmic expression;
appreciate and understand the films of Luis Bunuel.
Assessment:

A seminar presentation and written assessment of 1500 words 40% (due during the semester) and an essay/film option assignment of 2500 words 60% (due at the end of semester). 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: None
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:

  • develop critical thinking and analytic awareness;

  • possess effective written communication skills;

  • be able to account for development of political and subjective film forms and film history;

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

Formerly available as 107-084 Surrealism and the Cinema. Students who have completed 107-084 are not permitted 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)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Studies Major
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Cinema and Cultural Studies

Download PDF version.