Screen Culture and Aesthetics 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

101 hours

Screen Practice 1B (for BFA Film and Television students), Screenwriting Practices 1A (for BFA Animation)

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

Screen Culture and Aesthetics 1 is the study of screen culture and history with a particular emphasis on critical study for practical filmmakers. Through lectures, discussion and screenings, students are introduced to the main canons and genres of cinema; the codes, conventions and narrative structures, from the silent era to contemporary cinema. Through exploring a diverse range of cinematic approaches and styles, the work of cinema innovators is highlighted. Students apply their knowledge by reflecting critically on their own production work and the work of fellow students.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• demonstrate an awareness of the narrative tradition and development of genres in film history;
• interpret and critically analyse films;
• critically and constructively review their own and peers’ screen production work in the context of the broader history of screen culture.

Assessment is continuous and based on the following:

• Screen Culture Essay (1500 words) Due: examination period (35%)
• Oral presentation (15 mins) Due: various throughout semester (30%)
• Critical self-assessment (1000 words) Due: end of semester (30%)
• Workshop Participation* Due: assessed ongoing (5%)
  *Participation assessed on criteria of engagement, ability to discuss & give/receive feedback and teamwork skills.

Late submission

• Unless an extension has been granted, for essays/assignments submitted after the due date, the mark a student is awarded for their work will be reduced by 10% for each day the work is late. Using electronic submission means work may be submitted on any day.
• Unless an extension has been granted, assignments submitted later than 5 working days (or 1 week if due on a weekend) after the due date will not be marked, and will receive no marks.

Hurdle requirements

• Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems;
• develop positive self-critical and peer review skills;
• begin to develop a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment;
• communicate in oral and written form;
• demonstrate critical and analytical skills;
• express ideas and theories;
• participate in group discussions in a positive manner;
• be open-minded in receiving positive creative input from material not of the students’ taste.