Course overview
The study of cinema as a field of scholarly inquiry affects the way films are studied, and the language of film criticism more generally. This course surveys a range of critical approaches to film that help define the meaning of cinema: from critical race studies, queer theory, contemporary feminism, ecological theory, and indigenous studies, on to neo-formalism, affect theory, and the emergence of slow cinema. Screening films in concert with important essays that have reshaped the field of cinema studies in recent years, the course provides the essential ingredients to develop an informed, intelligent contemporary approach to film.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically analyse a range of films that demonstrate the evolution of film criticism and theory over the last 20 years
- Engage with, critically analyse and evaluate a range of secondary sources and theoretical perspectives that have advanced the critical understanding of cinema in the last 20 years
- Develop and conduct independent research projects on issues in contemporary cinema
- Write critically and theoretically informed analyses of films in relation to theoretical and critical methodologies and communicate effectively with classmates
- Use technologies as appropriate to complete assessments
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.