Course Title: Critique cultural works
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: OART5005C
Course Title: Critique cultural works
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Cameron Clarke
cameron.clarke@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
In this course you will develop the craft skills and knowledge required to analyse, assess and offer verbal or written critiques of television drama. This will enable you to understand current trends in the television marketplace and to review contemporary screen productions for performance media. This course addresses the following unit of competency: CUARES502 Critique cultural works
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUARES502 Critique cultural works |
Element: |
1. Prepare to critique cultural works |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Confirm type of cultural works to be appraised in consultation with relevant personnel 1.2 Identify requirements and constraints that may influence critiques and plan accordingly 1.3 Discuss plans or preliminary ideas with relevant personnel as required 1.4 Identify and explore relevant sources of information on cultural works with respect for cultural protocols 1.5 Use formal and informal research techniques to access information 1.6 Organise research materials and findings for current and future use, with awareness of intellectual property considerations |
Element: |
2. Link research to cultural works |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Critically evaluate works and related information 2.2 Assess ways in which different influences are applied, adapted or challenged within cultural works 2.3 Develop substantiated positions to inform critical analysis of works 2.4 Discuss research findings with others and consider modifying opinions to integrate other perspectives |
Element: |
3. Present critiques |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Produce written or spoken texts on cultural works to meet organisational or publishing requirements 3.2 Take into account information about audience and purpose of critiques 3.3 Apply relevant cultural standards and conventions to critiques of cultural works 3.4 Present critiques in negotiated format and timeline 3.5 Seek feedback on quality of critiques from relevant personnel and note areas for future improvement |
Element: |
4. Maintain knowledge of trends related to domain of cultural works |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Identify and use opportunities to update and expand knowledge of influences on cultural works 4.2 Incorporate knowledge into cultural analysis and reporting |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be equipped with the skills to analyse, assess and critique television drama.
Details of Learning Activities
In class: Workshops, close script readings, class exercises, industry speakers, group discussion and presentation.
Out of class: Independent project work, writing and reading assignments, independent study.
Teaching Schedule
WEEK |
CLASS CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
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Week 1 14/02/2019 |
No class |
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Week 2 21/02/2019 |
Introduction. Course Guide and Dates for assessments. Television from a writers perspective Television from a viewers perspective The current state of things Engaging with television shows in a way that is is deliberate, critical, and reflective. Show of the week: A Moody Christmas Homework viewing: The Bodyguard (pilot on Netflix) |
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Week 3 28/02/2019 |
The Bodyguard - discussion What makes or breaks a television show Personal bias, preference, and taste https://www.chatelaine.com/living/tom-vanderbilt-personal-taste/ Elements of a good TV show Elements of story - broad overview Introduction to reviewing television - guest reviewer Show of the week: Detectorists Homework viewing: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix) |
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Week 4 07/03/2019 |
Narrative Identity Formation - engaging with screen stories on a personal level. Themes - a deeper look Conflict - a deeper look Character - a deeper look Show of the week: Last Man on Earth Homework viewing: Abandoned |
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Week 5 14/03/2019 |
Abandoned - discussion Show of the week: Bojack Horseman Script case study Exploring cultural relevance and global stories Frameworks for critique Homework viewing: Glitch (pilot) |
Assessment Task 1 due |
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Week 6 21/03/2019 |
Focus on Australia - part 1 Glitch - discussion Why are Australian stories important? What is our cultural voice? Show of the week 1: The Family Law Australian producers and broadcasters - what do they want and what are they buying. Show of the week 2: No Activity Local stories, global appeal Homework viewing: Round the Twist |
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Week 7 28/03/2019 |
Focus on Australia - part 2 (possible excursion to the ACTF - TBC) Round the Twist - discussion Authenticity: sense of place, connection to country Society critiquing television, and television critiquing society Show of the week 1: Bluey Show of the week 2: Homecoming Queens Show of the week 3: The Deep Homework viewing - The People vs OJ Simpson (pilot - Netflix) |
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Week 8 04/04/2019 |
The People vs OJ Simpson - discussion Tensions in critique - entertainment vs education, art vs commerce, craft vs quality Researching for writers Script reading - GLOW Show of the week: Glow Homework viewing - Unforgotten (pilot - Netflix) |
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Week 9 11/04/2019 |
Unforgotten - discussion Promises and pay-off's Critiquing "art" and finding the layers: describe, analyze, interpret, judge Bach (the art of) Assessment Task 2 - Pilot episode presentations Homework viewing - Gavin and Stacey (Netflix and Stan) |
Assessment Task 2 due |
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Week 10 18/04/2019 |
Show of the week: Happy Valley The Sublime Holiday homework viewing: It's up to you! Over the next week it's all about the sublime and revisiting something that resonates with you on a personal level. Dive deep. Enjoy. |
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Mid-semester break: Good Friday 19 April to Friday 29 April inclusive |
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Week 11 02/05/2019 |
Discussion on favourite and revisited shows. The good, the bad and the ugly. Looking at television shows that leave a lasting impression. Show of the week: Buffy Focus on the writer's vision Homework viewing: Orphan Black (pilot Netflix) |
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Week 12 09/05/2019 |
Discussion - Orphan Black Balancing the light and the dark Identifying aesthicially pleasing tone Reacting and responding to confronting content Show of the week: The Killing Homework viewing: Utopia (ABC iview) |
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Week 13 16/05/2019 |
Discussion - Utopia Finding meaning in the everyday Getting to the heart Show of the week: Lovesick The artist and their story Homework viewing: TBC |
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Week 14 23/05/2019 |
Panel discussions. Homework viewing: TBC |
Assessment Task 3 |
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Week 15 30/05/2019 |
Final critique - New show review. Putting our critiquing skills to use. Wrap up.
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Week 16 |
No class scheduled |
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Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You require access to a computer and to the internet for this course.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include participation in class exercises, oral presentations and practical writing tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. You should refer to the assessment brief which is available on Canvas for full assessment criteria.
If you have not completed an assessment task to a satisfactory standard you will be given an opportunity to resubmit that task within one week of receiving feedback. You will have one opportunity to resubmit your work.
Assessment 1. New season review
Write a 500–700 word review on a recent narrative television series.
Due: Week 5 (Friday 8 March)
Assessment 2. In-class presentations and critique of a pilot episode
Choose an episode of a television series that you believe constitutes a strong example of a pilot episode. Prepare a 5-minute presentation and an accompanying written critique in which you outline the journey you as a viewer have taken throughout the episode (a short episode summary). You must address set questions detailing how the episode succeeds or falls short.
Due: Week 9 (Thursday 11 April)
Assessment 3. Panel discussion on an Australian television series
In groups of 4–5, you will critically examine an Australian television series and prepare for a 20-minute panel discussion, which includes one moderator and guests.
Due: Week 14 (Thursday 23 May)
Detailed assessment briefs for these tasks are available on Canvas.
Once you have achieved competency for the unit, you will receive an overall grade for the course (refer to Canvas for the graded rubric with specified criteria). This rubric will relate to all assessments and your overall performance in the course.
Grades used in this course are as follows:
- CHD Competent with High Distinction
- CDI Competent with Distinction
- CC Competent with Credit
- CAG Competency Achieved Graded
- NYC Not yet Competent
- DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Assessment Feedback
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview