Film Genres and Media Hybrids

Subject SCRN30002 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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

On Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 5 A 1.5-hour lecture, a 1-hour seminar and a 2.5-hour screening per week.
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: None Completion of at least 12.5 points at second year in Cinema and/or Cultural Studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Usually 12.5 points of first year Cinema & Cultural Studies (106-101 or 107-132) and 25 points of second year Cinema & Cultural Studies subjects. 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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the 3Disability Liaison Unit website: 4http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Mark Nicholls

Contact

Mark Nicholls

markdn@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: Through a detailed examination of one or more genres, this subject will address the importance of genre to the production and reception of films, television programs and associated popular media. Mainstream and established genres will be central to this subject, however the evolution of established genres and the importance of directors, producers, writers, stars, studios and audiences to generic development and the creation of media hybrids will also be studied.
Objectives: Students who complete this subject should:
  • understand the importance of genre to the production, critical and popular reception of films, television programs and other media texts;
  • be fluent with the history and development of genre criticism, and theories of generic and media convergences that have resulted from conglomerate multimedia organizations;
  • understand the relationship between genres and auteurs, stars, studios and audiences and the relationship between films, television programs and other popular media texts;
  • gain a thorough understanding established and mainstream genres and the contemporary forms derived from them.
Assessment: A paper of 1500 words 40% (due during semester). A written essay of 2500 words 60% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.
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: As a result of attendance at scheduled classes, participation in planned activities and timely completion of assignments, students should acquire skills in the following areas:
  • a capacity for critical thinking through the use of readings and discussion to develop an understanding of the considerations that underpin cinema studies;
  • high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions and the completion of assignments;
  • skills in research through the preparation of class papers and assignments, including the use of online as well as print-based materials;
  • skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements;
  • a capacity for theoretical analysis through engagement with a range of texts that offer different perspectives on publishing as a component of the wider field of cultural practices.
Notes: This subject is available to Bachelor of Arts (Continuing) students at either level 2 or 3 in order to complete 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: Cinema && Cultural Studies
Cinema Studies Major
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies Major

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