Contemporary Film and Cultural Theory

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On Campus

120

Completion of 37.5 pts of level two subjects in cinema and/or cultural studies and enrolment in the Bachelor of Arts or Graduate Diploma in Arts. Bachelor of Arts students should endeavour to take the capstone subject in their final semester of study after completion of 25 pts of 3rd year.

None

None

106-368 Contemporary Film and Cultural Theory

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 Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject introduces students to some of the major theoretical traditions in the field. Emphasis on historical, textual, ethnographic, institutional and other theories will be grounded in a focus on the Australian film industry and its culture. These theoretical traditions will provide resources used by students to produce detailed and specific studies of contemporary cinema and cultural practices. By apprehending diverse theoretical accounts of cinema and cultural studies in relation to Australian screen and cultural practices, students will engage with some of the significant problems of the cultures we inhabit. Students will also explore research and professional pathways.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• understand the basic approaches of the major theoretical traditions in Cinema and Cultural Studies as they relate to Australian film;
• have developed the analytical skills and methodological confidence to produce small-scale studies of contemporary cinema and cultural practices;
• appreciate the analytical scope and theoretical importance of the study of contemporary cinema and culture;
• be familiar with the development and history of global Australian cinema.

A project/assignment of 1500 words, 40% due during the semester and a research essay of 2500 words, 60% due at the end of the semester. This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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:

• social, ethical, and cultural understanding of self and others through detailed analysis of contemporary cinema and culture in its various local, national and transnational contexts; the reception of new ideas and the contextualisation of judgements; the adaptation of knowledge to new situations;
• critical analysis and synthesis through the study of competing theories of contemporary Australian cinema and culture and their application to diverse examples; the engagement with and processing of different critical perspectives across the interdisciplinary field of cinema and cultural studies; the development of independent thought and arguments;
• effective written and oral communication through seminar discussions and debates; the preparation and execution of written assessment exercises; exposure to and emulation of competing genres and protocols of critical writing;
• information management and information literacy through the practice of library and archival research and engagement with electronic databases;
• teamwork, flexibility, and tolerance through group discussions in seminars. reception of new ideas and opinions. engaging and cooperating with other people from diverse backgrounds;
• time management and planning through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, seminar presentations and assessment requirements.

Students who have completed 106-064 Contemporary Cultural Studies are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This capstone subject is compulsory for students completing a major in Cinema, Cultural Studies or Cinema and Cultural Studies.