Film Noir: Style and History

Subject 670-353 (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-hour screening, a 1-hour lecture, a 1-hour seminar 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

Coordinator

Dr Wendy Haslem

Contact

Wendy Haslem

wlhaslem@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is a close study of film noir texts from Pandora's Box to Lost Highway with emphasis on an evolving noir style. Topics studied will include the silent period; noir and German expressionism; noir horror; classic Hollywood noir of the 40s; postmodern noir and the evolving image of the femme fatale. Students should complete the subject with an understanding of the historical and stylistic development of the film noir body of texts from the silent period to the present; of the symbolic relevance of the changing image of the femme fatale in the film noir; and of postmodern cinematic practice in relation to contemporary film noir.
Objectives: Students who successfully complet this subject will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the historical and stylistic development of the film 'noir' body of texts from the silent period to the present;
appreciate the symbolic relevance of the changing image of the 'femme fatale' in the film 'noir';
demonstrate an understanding of postmodern cinematic practice in relation to contemporary film 'noir'.
Assessment:

A 1500 word take-home test 30% (due during the semester), a 2500-word essay 60% (due at the end of the examination period) and a tutorial presentation 10% due during the 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:

  • be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

  • possess effective written communication skills;

  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.
Notes: 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)
Bachelor of Creative Arts
Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: American Studies Major
Cinema & Cultural Studies
Cinema Studies Major

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