Course Title: Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2023
Course Code: GEDU6132C
Course Title: Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6180 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Alan Woodruff
Course Contact Phone: +61399254307
Course Contact Email: alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: George Viscas
Nominal Hours: 70
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
Building knowledge and understanding of the history and theory of film genre is central to your development as a screenwriter. This course looks at the skills and knowledge required to use investigative and critical thinking techniques when evaluating the history and theory of film genre and distilling key themes and ideas. It grounds this study in cinema language and provides a comprehensive overview of the way in which contemporary screen language has developed. You will research concepts and theories around genre in screenwriting, and explore ways in which these theories can be applied to your own creative work.
This course addresses the following unit of competency:
CUARES403 Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUARES403 Research history and theory to inform own arts practice |
Element: |
1. Research history and theory |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Discuss research ideas with appropriate people and identify implications for own arts practice 1.2 Identify and investigate new and alternative information sources for relevance to own arts practice 1.3 Use formal and informal research techniques to access information 1.4 Organise research materials and findings for current and future use |
Element: |
2. Link research to own arts practice |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Evaluate information in context of own arts practice and work of others 2.2 Assess ways in which different aspects of history and theory may be used, adapted and challenged 2.3 Extract key themes, ideas and opinions to assist in clarity of thought 2.4 Develop conclusions from research findings in consultation with appropriate people |
Element: |
3. Update and maintain knowledge of trends in own arts practice |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify and use opportunities to update and expand own knowledge of history and theory 3.2 Incorporate knowledge into own arts practice 3.3 Seek feedback on quality of research methodology and outcomes, and note areas for future improvement |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competency in the performance criteria. You will be able to inform your own artistic practice through the application of the concepts and theories underpinning the craft of screenwriting, and have thoroughly researched screen language and genre relating to your own work.
Details of Learning Activities
You will learn through:
1. In-class activities:
- lectures
- looking at examples of film genre
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- peer discussion and class presentations
- guest speakers
- group discussion
2. Out-of-class activities:
- independent project based work
- watching and critiquing films
- building knowledge through reading
- online and other research
- independent study
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
The last 30 minutes of every class is reserved for you to discuss your current research projects with other students or with your teacher.
Week |
Class Content |
Assessment Due |
1 |
Explanation and discussion of course content and assessment. Identification of formal and informal research techniques. Discussion of the nature of creativity in screenwriting. Early film history: Lumière Brothers, Georges Méliès. Introduction to Screen Language: production and story elements. |
Assessment Task 1 starts |
|
2
|
The role of women in cinema history |
|
|
3
|
How to identify and prioritise authoritative sources of information Development of montage to modern day. Discussion of periods of film history and key contributions of selected filmmakers. Screening of selected excerpts of films followed by class discussion – language, theories and applications. |
|
|
4
|
Using data bases for research – speaker from the RMIT library. German Expressionism and the Dark Side . Discuss characteristics of Expressionism in art and screen excerpts of selected films from various filmmakers. Expressionism in film and its theories – yesterday and today. Expressionism and its use in Hollywood.
|
Assessment 1 due in Canvas. |
|
5
|
Organising and making sense of your research – how to take good notes. Silent film.
|
Assessment 1 ORALS begin. |
6 |
How to create a bibliography – Harvard referencing style. Film Noir in world film culture . |
|
7 |
Rarely seen Film Noir Class discussion about film’s elements: Does it follow all the rules of Noir? What’s there? What isn’t? Does it hold up today? Can any of its theories of Noir be used creatively today? |
|
|
Mid-semester break: Mon 28 Aug – Fri 1 Sep, inclusive. |
|
|
8
|
Neo-Noir Its legacy from Expressionism to Film Noir explored. Screening excerpts from selected Neo-Noir films; discussion of its history; contrast past to present Noir. |
|
9 |
Neo-Noir (cont'd) Class discussion of Neo-Noir elements and the differences between these and the ordinary Thriller Genre. Contrast with remake and discuss cultural context in history and theory of genre and the differences of this remake as compared to its original Film Noir concept. Discussion of research for Genre assignment – students to bring in their research to date. |
|
|
10
|
Horror Looking at the elements of horror and its legacy from Expressionism. Differences between past and present day elements. What makes Horror so easy to make and so hard to master? Screening of documentary. |
|
|
11
|
NO CLASS! GRAND FINAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY. Horror Are the elements of Horror the same worldwide? Do the theories of one culture overlap with another? Screening and discussion of documentaries. Exploring various types of world horror and discussion of how the theory is applied in practice. |
|
|
12
|
Genre and censorship. Censorship, its history and role in film genre. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the censorship system. Screening of documentary examining censorship and its effects on various filmmakers. Is it a necessary evil? |
Assessment Task 2 due in Canvas |
|
13
|
Study of a culture through film. Does film reflect daily life of culture? Fantasy of its inhabitants? Do the theories of film in the West necessarily fulfil other cultures’ requirements of what makes a film? Looking at a culture’s film history. Film screening. Discussion around similarities/differences to Western film practices and genre development |
Assessment Task 3 due (see assessment for submission details).
|
14 |
Contemporary filmmakers Introduction to new filmmakers and their effects on modern day directors. How 'influence' plays an important part as 'homage' in creativity. Screening of various scenes as well as full film in discovering new and /or forgotten filmmakers. Discuss their importance/non-importance. |
Capitol Cinema viewing assignment 3. |
|
15
|
Semester review Screening of fun film ... just for fun! To enjoy film! |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You will require access to a computer and to the internet for this course. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
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
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task 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 through Canvas for full assessment criteria.
CUARES403 AT1: Research a Film
Research and deliver a 15-minute presentation that analyses two elements of a film.
Due: Week 4
CUARES403 AT2: Genre discussion
Select a minimum of three films of similar genre – two from a list supplied by your teacher, and one of your own choosing – and write a 250–400 word commentary on each film.
Due: Week 12
CUARES403 AT3: Video essay
Present and submit a 10-minute digital video essay, discussing the historical development of a genre that interests you.
Due: Week 13
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 from your teacher. If the resubmission is deemed unsatisfactory, the matter will be referred to the program coordinator.
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.
Other Information
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.
Information about your studies
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/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.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
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.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview