Love Stories and the Cinema

Subject 107-307 (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 2, - 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: A 2.5-hour screening, a 1-hour lecture and a 1-hour seminar per week.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Usually 12.5 points of first-year cinema 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 Mark Nicholls

Contact

Mark Nicholls

markdn@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is a study of many manifestations of the love story represented in Hollywood, Italian, French, British and Australian cinema. Through detailed close-analysis of a range of films, the subject explores topics such as romantic love, mad love, the marital gothic, adultery, gay and lesbian love, inter-racial romance, perversion, loss and melancholia. Concentrating on film genres such as the romantic comedy, the melodrama, the backstage musical, horror and gothic romance, the subject highlights the various formal strategies employed to create the love story in cinema, The subject looks at the way in which film theory has explained the idea of love and desire in the cinema by drawing on Freudian psychoanalysis, mythology and gender studies. In addition to the close reading of the love story through prescribed films, the subject also explores the way film intersects with television, literature, art and popular music on the subject.
Objectives: Students who succesfully complete this subject will understand the ways in which the love story is represented in film, television, art and popular culture generally;
appreciate the key cinematic techniques of narration, style and genre used in tellin the love story;
understand the importance of key works of film and gender theory and Freudian psychoanalysis to the topic.
Assessment:

A take-home examination of 1000 words 40% (due during the semester) and a research essay of 3000 words 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: 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:

  • be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

  • possess effective written communication skills;

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

Formerly available as 107-088 Love Stories: Film and Narrative Theory. Students who have completed 107-088 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.This subject can be credited as an elective subject towards the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Gender Studies.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Cinema & Cultural Studies
Cinema Studies Major
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Gender Studies
Gender Studies Major

Download PDF version.