The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith
( dir. Fred Schepisi
)
Melbourne
:
The Film House
,
1978
Z864554
1978
single work
film/TV
(taught in 3 units)
Based on real events that occurred in Australia at the turn of the century and adapted from Thomas Keneally's novel, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith concerns a young man of Aboriginal and European heritage who has been raised by missionaries. A hard and reliable worker, Jimmie is employed on a property in central-western New South Wales. Hoping to achieve assimiliation into white society, Jimmy marries a white girl, but instead this only increases the loathing and ridicule directed at him. In the winter of 1900, an argument ensues between Jimmy and the owner of the property, which leads to Jimmie and his uncle horrifically killing most of the man's family. Jimmie subsequently takes to the bush with his wife, baby, and younger brother, Mort. Pursued by the police and vigilante farmers, Jimmie sends his wife back with a message: 'tell them I've declared war.' He and Mort kill again, but the younger brother becomes increasingly troubled by their actions. Jimmie eventually goes on alone until his inevitable capture and hanging.
Australians are hardly recognisable today against the Australia and Australians of 1945. In the last fifty years, numerous social, cultural and political ideas, policies and actions have shaped and re-constructed Australians. Understanding how Australia has evolved as a nation, a community, a culture and a people involves critically analysing various constructions, meanings and interpretations. A study of Australian society and culture will therefore involve examining the Australian people and the significant political and social debates that they engaged in.
Australian Society and Culture combines literary and cultural studies, political analysis and history. It will provide a context through which students can acquire introductory level knowledge about Australian institutions and traditions, particularly since 1945. To that end, lectures, audio-visual materials, exercises, readings and assignments focus upon the development of new skills and approaches. This program of studies will also offer students the opportunity to analyse and discuss material presented.
Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of change over time in contemporary Australia,
2. express articulate informed opinions on contemporary society and culture,
3. apply methodologies to the resolution of problems and research questions,
4. appreciate the influences shaping society and culture in Australia.
Content
1. Coastal Australia
2. Australian Legend - Mateship
3. Australian Films
4. Australia and World War 2
5. The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith
6. The Image of Australia - Tourism
7. A Republic.
8. Indigenous Australians
9. Immigrants
10. Vietnam
11 Women's Progress in Australia
12. Sport and the Australian People
Description: Based on one of the above lecture options.
Relates to objectives: N/A
Weight: 30%
Due date: TBA
Assessment name: Tutorial Presentation
Description: Based on one of the above lecture options.
Relates to objectives: N/A
Weight: 20%
Due date: TBA
Assessment name: Discussion Activity
Relates to objectives: N/A
Weight: 15%
Due date: TBA
Assessment name: Exam
Relates to objectives: N/A
Weight: 35%
Due date: TBA
