Film Genres and Auteurs

Subject SCRN20014 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1.5 hour lecture, a 1 hour tutorial, and a 2.5 hour screening per week
Total Time Commitment:

Total expected time commitment is 102-hours accross the semester, including class time
Prerequisites:

None
Corequisites:

None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Usually 12.5 points of first year Cinema/Screen & Cultural Studies (CICU10001 or CICU10002) and 25 points of second year Cinema/Screen & Cultural Studies subjects.
Non Allowed Subjects:

106-319 Film Genres and Media Hybrids and SCRN30002 Film Genres and Media Hybrids
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 Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Mark Nicholls

markdn@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Through a detailed examination of one or more genres and one or more auteurs, this subject will address the historical importance of genre and the enduring notion of authorship to the production and reception of films, television programs and associated popular screen texts. The study of directors as well as Hollywood, mainstream and established genres will be central to this subject. The evolution of genres, however, and broader notions of authorship that take into account the significant role of producers, writers, stars, actors, studios, critics and audiences will also be studied as a major component of this subject.
Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the subject students should have:

  • an understanding of the importance of genre and notions of the auteur to the production, critical and popular reception of films, television programs and other screen texts;
  • a fluency with the history and development and theories of genre and auteur criticism;
  • an understanding of the relationship between genres and auteurs, stars, studios and audiences and the relationship between films, television programs and other popular media texts.
Assessment:

A paper of 1000 words 40% (due during semester), a class presentation of 500 words 10% (during semester), an essay of 2500 words 50% (due in the examination period). 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.
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)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Cinema Studies Major
Cultural Studies Major
Screen and Cultural Studies
Related Breadth Track(s): Screen Studies

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