Contemporary Australian Cinema

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Usually fifty points of first year arts. Completion of either 106-101 or 107-132 is strongly recommended.

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

Global and national forces have shaped world cinema from its inception in the late nineteenth century. How, then, do we define a national cinema? This subject will examine the various factors that help shape and define the nature of the Australian film industry. Through an examination of a wide range of films made in Australia and abroad by local and international directors, actors and crews, that were funded by sources as diverse as multi-national corporations, governments and smaller organizations, this subject will explore the nature of the Australian film industry. Beginning with silent cinema, the subject examines the work of British, French and American directors who have worked in the Australian film industry. Focus will be on the development of the local industry and the emergence of national themes as well as the impact of Hollywood, of the British, European and later, Asian cinematic traditions, on the Australian cinematic tradition. Discussion will focus also on the role of auteur directors such as Gillian Armstrong, Phillip Noyce, Peter Weir, Jane Campion and Baz Luhrman. The representation of class, ethnicity, race and gender and such themes as mono-culturalism, assimilation, xenophobia and cosmopolitanism will be explored.

A 2000 word tutorial paper 40%(due during semester) and a 3000-word essay 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.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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

Formerly availble as 107-087 Contemporary Australian Cinema. Students who have previously completed 107-087 The Global Australian Cinema or 107-087 Contemporary Australian Cinema and 107-085 Australian Cinema 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.