Course Title: Histories of Film Theory

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Histories of Film Theory

Credit Points: 12

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM1036

City Campus

Undergraduate

335H Applied Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009

COMM1036

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020

Course Coordinator: Dr Alexia Kannas

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 0968

Course Coordinator Email: alexia.kannas@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study
Successful completion of any three (3) of the following courses before you commence this course: COMM1031 Introduction to Cinema Studies; COMM2632 Popular Cinema; COMM1034 True Lies: Documentary Studies; COMM1033 Australian Cinema; COMM1035 Asian Cinemas.

OR

Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information: Credit at RMIT


Course Description

In this course you will explore the changing role and nature of film theory throughout the twentieth and into the twenty ­first century, examining its implications for how we understand particular films, filmmakers, theoretical paradigms, and artistic/cinematic trends, schools and movements in global and international cinema.

In the process, a variety of texts, both on screen and page, will be studied to help address and inform our overview of this expansive area. In so doing, we will often return to the fundamental question that drives much of this analysis ­ "What is Cinema?"
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcome:

  • Identify, evaluate and critically analyse cultural, historical and theoretical practices which contextualise your professional practice and further study.
      


Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Identify and discuss the development of a range of film theories.
  • Apply film theories to the analysis of diverse cinematic experiences.
  • Compare and contrast different film theories and how they relate to the historical development of the field.
  • Critically reflect on your own film viewing experiences and interpretations, and their relation to film theory.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities which may include project work, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, individual and group activities.
 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment may include written and oral reports, reflective papers, creative projects and presentations, individually and in groups.

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: Assessment