Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Jane Simon jane.simon@mq.edu.au Contact via jane.simon@mq.edu.au
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

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Participation	15%	Ongoing
Essay One	20%	5pm Monday 31st March
Essay Two	40%	5pm Friday 23rd May
Film log	25%	5pm Friday 13th June

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: 5pm Monday 31st March
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: 5pm Friday 23rd May
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: 5pm Friday 13th June
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

Screenings: Wednesday 9-11am Y3A T1

Lectures: Wednesday 12-1pm Y3A T1

Tutorials: For tutorial times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2014/. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.

Please note, you must attend the tutorial you are enrolled in. If you wish to change your tutorial time you can do so via e-student. Your tutor/lecturer will not be able to change your tutorial enrolment.

Tutorials begin in Week Two.

ATTENDANCE

Students are required to attend a screening, a one hour lecture and a one hour tutorial every week.

Students are required to prepare for tutorials by having attended the lecture and screening and having done the week’s readings and prepared questions and notes.

REQUIRED READING

The Reader for MAS205 is available at the Co-Op Bookshop.

RECOMMENDED READING

There is a list of further recommended reading and viewing for each topic - please refer to iLearn.

TECHNOLOGIES USED AND REQUIRED

Lectures will be recorded and available on iLearn. Details on readings, assessments and screenings will be available on ilearn. Students are expected to regularly check iLearn and their MQ email addresses for announcements.

ASSESSMENTS

You must complete all components of this course in order to pass the unit. Work submitted late without extension and/or proof of illness or serious misadventure (this does not include having to work) will incur a 5% penalty for each day after the due date.

Assignment Submissions

All written work must be submitted to turnitin, via the link on iLearn. Please make sure your full name, student nuber and tutor's name appears on the first page of your document.Please record your tutor's email address at the beginning of semester and questions about MAS205 should first be directed to your tutor. Students should ensure that they can receive emails sent to their MQ email address.

Special Consideration Policy

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html

Applying for Special Consideration

Students applying for Special Consideration circumstances of three (3) consecutive days duration, within a study period, and/or prevent completion of a formal examination must submit an on-line application with the Faculty of Arts. For an application to be valid, it must include a completed Application for Special Consideration form and all supporting documentation.

To submit a Special Consideration request, you will need to:

1. Log in at ask.mq 2. Click 'Special Consideration' from the 'Submit' menu on the left 3. Fill in the required fields as prompted. Once you have completed filling out the information, please click on 'Submit'.

Unit Schedule

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

MODULE ONE: KEY TERMS

Week One: Introduction to MAS205, Film and its Contexts (no tutorial)

Week Two: Film and Narrative (tutorials begin)

Week Three: Film and Sound

Week Four: Film and Genre

MODULE TWO: POLITICS OF REPESENTATION

Week Five: History and memory in Cache

Week Six: Australian Contexts

Week Seven: Feminism on Film

MODULE THREE: NON-FICTION FILM, REALITY & THE REAL

Week Eight: Non-fiction Filmmaking

Week Nine: Diary Films and Autobiography

MODULE FOUR: CANONS & AUTEURS

Week Ten: Critiquing Canons

Week Eleven: The French New Wave

Week Twelve: Auteurs and Wong Kar Wai

Week Thirteeen: Consulations

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