Contemporary Film and Cultural Theory

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total expected time commitment is 170-hours across the semester, including class time.

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.

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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.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• an understanding of the basic approaches of the major theoretical traditions in Cinema and Cultural Studies as they relate to Australian film;
• developed the analytical skills and methodological confidence to produce small-scale studies of contemporary cinema and cultural practices;
• an appreciation of the analytical scope and theoretical importance of the study of contemporary cinema and culture;
• a familiarity 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 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.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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, Cinema and Cultural Studies or Screen and Cultural Studies.