Course Title: Critique cultural works
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2023
Course Code: OART5005C
Course Title: Critique cultural works
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: +61 3 9925 4307
Course Contact Email: alan.woodruff@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Neil Triffett
neil.triffett@rmit.edu.au
Teacher: Anne-Marie Peard
anne-marie.peard2@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 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
In this course, you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
- lectures
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussion
- class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- analysis/critique of students’ writings
2. Out-of-class activities:
- independent project based work
- writing and reading assignments
- online and other research
- independent study
Teaching Schedule
WEEK |
CLASS CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
|
Week 1
|
Topic: Introduction and overview Course guide and dates for assessments Television: Introduction to uses Reviews: Introduction to uses Homework viewing: Breaking Bad (on Stan) |
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Week 2
|
Topic: A framework for critique part 1 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 Personal bias, preference, and taste Homework reading: Frameworks for critique - Framework 1 - https://ayomenulisfisip.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/guidelines-for-tv-criticism.pdf Homework viewing: Detectorists (pilot on Netflix) |
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Week 3
|
Topic: A framework for critique part 2 Intro to writing critique Elements of story - broad overview Show of the week: Community. Homework viewing: Station Eleven (Stan) |
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Week 4
|
Topic: Author and audience Script case study Show of the week: Glow Exploring cultural relevance and global stories Homework viewing: Criminal: United Kingdom (Pilot on Netflix) |
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Week 5
|
Topic: Tensions in critique Entertainment vs education Art vs commerce Craft vs quality Writer vs critic Homework viewing: This Way Up (Stan) |
Assessment Task 1 due |
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Week 6
|
Topic: Story and self 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: The Newsreader (Pilot on ABC iview) |
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Week 7
|
Topic: Focus on Australia - part 1 Why are Australian stories important? What is our cultural voice? Show of the week 1: BUMP Local stories, global appeal Homework viewing: Abandoned (Choose an episode; we recommend 'Newfoundland Coast' or 'California Water Supply', available on SBS on Demand) |
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Week 8
|
Topic: Focus on Australia Part 2, with Dan Nixon. Authenticity: sense of place, connection to country Society critiquing television, and television critiquing society Kid's TV Show of the week 1: Bluey Show of the week 2: The Deep Australian producers and broadcasters - what do they want and what are they buying. |
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Week 9
|
Assessment Task 2 - Pilot episode group discussions/workshop review Homework viewing: American Vandal (Pilot on Netflix) |
Assessment Task 2 due |
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Mid-semester break: Friday 7–Friday 14 April, inclusive. |
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Week 10
|
Topic: Pitching Australia Guest speaker: What are audiences / distributors wanting from Australian TV in 2023? Setups and payoffs Breaking down a pilot Homework viewing: It's up to you! Watch two shows of your choice. Revisit one show that you love (or remember loving) and ask yourself why? Also watch one new show (ideally something you know very little about). |
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Week 11
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Topic: The technicalities A deeper look at the technical aspects of television story telling Show of the week: Black Monday Homework viewing: Kangaroo Beach (watch at least 2 episode on ABC iview) |
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Week 12
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Topic: Breaking down an episode Preparing for Panel Discussions.
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Week 13
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Panel discussions |
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Week 14
|
Panel discussions |
Assessment Task 3 |
Week 15 |
No scheduled class |
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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.
Assessment 1: New Season Review
Due Week 5
Completing this task allows you to demonstrate your ability to research and critique a cultural work, in this case the season of a television series, and produce a written review to a professional standard.
Assessment 2: Written critique of a pilot episode
Due Week 9
Completing this task allows you to deepen your knowledge of approaching and critically engaging with cultural works, in this case TV series pilots, and demonstrate this progression of knowledge and skill.
Assessment 3: Panel discussion on an Australian television series
Due Week 14
You must watch the season or selected portion of a television series and take notes. Viewing may happen individually or in a group context. You will then research and prepare for a panel discussion about the Australian television series in question. This is similar to a Comic-Con or industry style panel, complete with one moderator and a panel of guests.
Once you have achieved competency for all assessments in a unit of competency, you will receive an overall result. 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