Students

MAS 205 – Introduction to the Cinema

2014 – MQC3 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Duncan McLean
By appointment
Moderator
Jane Simon
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is an introduction to: 1) some of the main theoretical issues and debates that have defined film studies as an area of cultural interest; and 2) some of the key historical moments in classical Hollywood filmmaking and international filmmaking (from the 1940s through to more recent times). Lectures and tutorials, in conjunction with weekly film screenings, consider topics such as the codes, conventions, and aesthetics of film narrative; film genres; film styles; film canons; modes of storytelling; the relation between fiction film and documentary film (and their hybrids).

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Identify key debates, themes and concepts in the broad field of Film Studies.
  • Develop an expansive historical knowledge of film theory.
  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Demonstrate skills in independent academic research in the discipline, including identifying and using appropriate articles in academic journals.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.
  • Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form

General Assessment Information

Extensions: Extensions can be granted at the discretion of a tutor in the event that illness or serious misadventure significantly impedes a student's ability to submit work on time. A request for an extension should be made in advance of the assessment's due date.  Please note that employment and assessments for other units are not grounds for an extension.

Late submissions: Work submitted late without extension and/or proof of illness or serious misadventure will incur a 5% penalty for each day after the due date.

You will need to lodge your request for special consideration by logging into http://ask.mq.edu.au with your OneID. Please review the Special Consideration Policy before applying.

There is no exam for MAS205

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Participation 15% Ongoing
Essay One 20% 12th December 2014
Essay Two 40% 30th January 2015
Film log 25% 16th February 2015

Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%

Tutorials are compulsory. Students must attend, be punctual for and actively participate in at least 80% of all lectures and tutorials to pass the unit. You must notify your tutor as soon as possible if you believe you may be absent at any stage and you should provide your tutor with evidence of a medical or personal emergency. You will be expected to participate in class discussions as much as possible and you must come prepared to every tutorial having:

a) closely read the required readings

b) attended the screening and lecture

 

Marking Criteria

  • Preparation for class and active participation (by contributing to large and small group discussions and participating in tutorial activities)
  • Ability to engage with key concepts and themes covered in readings and lectures in relation to specific films.




On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify key debates, themes and concepts in the broad field of Film Studies.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.

Essay One

Due: 12th December 2014
Weighting: 20%

1000 word essay.

Topics will be distributed in class and on iLearn.Your essay should demonstrate wide reading and in-depth critical analysis. You are expected to draw upon the weekly readings that relate to your chosen essay topic as well as find other relevant academic sources. You should base your research on academic journal articles and books.

Marking Criteria

  • Understanding and critical engagement with key readings in the unit
  • Comparison and analysis of key concepts in the unit
  • Critical analysis of relevant film/s
  • Independent research within the discipline
  • Use of research and reading to support the argument
  • Organisation of argument including clear addressing of the question
  • Clarity of communication
  • Accurate and appropriate referencing

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify key debates, themes and concepts in the broad field of Film Studies.
  • Develop an expansive historical knowledge of film theory.
  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Demonstrate skills in independent academic research in the discipline, including identifying and using appropriate articles in academic journals.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.
  • Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form

Essay Two

Due: 30th January 2015
Weighting: 40%

A 2000 word essay.

For your final essay you must choose from one of the topics/questions distributed in class and posted on iLearn. Your essay should demonstrate wide reading and in-depth critical analysis. You are expected to draw upon the weekly readings that relate to your chosen essay topic as well as other relevant academic sources.

Marking Criteria

  • Understanding and critical engagement with key readings in the unit
  • Comparison and analysis of key concepts in the unit
  • Critical analysis of relevant film/s
  • Independent research within the discipline
  • Use of research and reading to support the argument
  • Organisation of argument including clear addressing of the question
  • Clarity of communication
  • Accurate and appropriate referencing

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify key debates, themes and concepts in the broad field of Film Studies.
  • Develop an expansive historical knowledge of film theory.
  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Demonstrate skills in independent academic research in the discipline, including identifying and using appropriate articles in academic journals.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.
  • Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form

Film log

Due: 16th February 2015
Weighting: 25%

The film log takes the form of five brief (250 word entries). You need to write an entry for a film from each of the four modules (e.g. one entry on a film from Module: Key Terms Wk 1-4, one from a film shown in Module Two: Politics of Representation Wk 5-7, one from Module: Non-Fiction Wk 8-9 and one from Module: Canons & Auteurs Wk 10-12). The fifth entry can be on any film from throughout the unit, however none of the entries should be on a film discussed in your two essays.

Each entry should consider one or two issues, of your choosing, raised by the week’s readings in relation to the film. The entry should not recount the film or the reading but should offer a concise critical analysis.

 

 

Marking Criteria

  • Understanding of key themes, ideas and concepts in theories of film
  • Comparison and analysis of key concepts in the unit
  • Ability to interpret and discuss film form
  • Attention to themes, genres, form, or cultural context of specific films
  • Use of readings to support claims
  • Organisation of film log, including at least five entries with an entry from each of the four modules (with none of the entries replicating topics covered in essay one or essay two).
  • Clarity of communication
  • Accurate and appropriate referencing

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify key debates, themes and concepts in the broad field of Film Studies.
  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.
  • Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form

Delivery and Resources

Classes

The unit consists of a four hour face-to-face teaching block each week. This block will usually consist of; 1 x 1hr tutorial, 1 x 2hr screening and 1 x 1hr lecture. Attendance and participation in weekly tutorials will account for 15% of a student's final grade.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

The required readings for the unit will be contained in the MAS205 Unit Reader which can be purchased from City Campus Reception on Level 2. Additional recommended readings will be posted on the unit iLearn page. A copy of all screened films will be made available in the library.

Technology Used and Required

Computer (for online submission of assessments), DVD player

Learning and Teaching Activities

In order to participate fully in weekly tutorial discussions and exercises students are expected to have watched the previous week's film, listened to the accompanying lecture, and read the required tutorial readings contained in the MAS205 Unit Reader, familiarising themselves with the key concepts and arguments raised.

Unit Schedule

For detailed schedule of screening and readings please refer to iLearn.

Module One: Documentary

Week 1

Screening: The Thin Blue Line (Errol Morris: 1988: US: 103mins)

Lecture: Modes of Documentary

Week 2

Screening: Roger & Me (Michael Moore: 1989: US: 91mins)

Lecture: Subjectivity and Authorship in Documentary

Module Two: Classical Hollywood (inc. Key Concepts)

Week 3

Screening: Gilda (Charles Vidor: 1946: US: 110mins)

Lecture: The Hollywood Studio System

Week 4

Screening: The Maltese Falcon (John Huston: 1941: US: 100mins)

Lecture: Classical Hollywood Narrative and Style

Week 5

Screening: The Searchers (John Ford: 1956: US: 119mins)

Lecture: Genre in Classical Hollywood

Week 6

Screening: Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock: 1960: US: 109mins)

Lecture: Film and Sound

Module Three: Art Cinema, Auteurs and Canons

Week 7

Screening: Breathless (A bout de souffle) (Jean-Luc Godard: 1960: France: 90mins)

Lecture: The French New Wave

Week 8

Screening: 8 1/2 (Federico Fellini: 1963: Italy: 138mins)

Lecture: Art Cinema

Week 9

Screening: Chungking Express (Wong Kar Wai: 1994: Hong Kong: 98mins)

Lecture: Auteurism and Wong Kar Wai

Week 10

Screening: Citizen Kane (Orson Welles: 1941: US: 119mins)

Lecture: Critiquing Canons

Module Four: Politics of Representation

Week 11

Screening: Samson & Delilah (Warwick Thornton: 2009: Australia: 101mins)

Lecture: Representations of Aboriginality in Australian Cinema

Week 12

Screening: Silver Linings Playbook (David O. Russell: 2012: US: 122mins)

Lecture: Mental Illness in the Movies

Week 13

Screening: Orlando (Sally Potter: 1992: UK: 94mins)

Lecture: Feminism on Film

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.
  • Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay One
  • Essay Two
  • Film log

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify key debates, themes and concepts in the broad field of Film Studies.
  • Develop an expansive historical knowledge of film theory.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay One
  • Essay Two
  • Film log

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify key debates, themes and concepts in the broad field of Film Studies.
  • Develop an expansive historical knowledge of film theory.
  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Demonstrate skills in independent academic research in the discipline, including identifying and using appropriate articles in academic journals.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.
  • Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay One
  • Essay Two
  • Film log

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify key debates, themes and concepts in the broad field of Film Studies.
  • Develop an expansive historical knowledge of film theory.
  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Demonstrate skills in independent academic research in the discipline, including identifying and using appropriate articles in academic journals.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay One
  • Essay Two
  • Film log

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Demonstrate skills in independent academic research in the discipline, including identifying and using appropriate articles in academic journals.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.
  • Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay One
  • Essay Two
  • Film log

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay One
  • Essay Two
  • Film log

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate and distinguish between theoretical positions on film practices and texts.
  • Analyse films critically according to themes, genres, form and cultural contexts.
  • Evaluate critically and analyse film texts and theories of film in both written form and in verbal discussions.
  • Communicate in a manner conforming to accepted academic standards in both written and spoken form

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay One
  • Essay Two
  • Film log