Film Genres and Auteurs

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

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

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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.

106-319 Film Genres and Media Hybrids and SCRN30002 Film Genres and Media Hybrids

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/

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.

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.

A 1000 word paper 40% (due during semester), a 500 word class presentation 10% (due during semester), a 2500 word essay 50% (due in the examination period).

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% 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 potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

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.

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.