Cirrus@Austlit

This subject introduces students to some of the major theoretical traditions in the field. Emphasis on historical, textual, ethnographic, institutional and other theories will be grounded in a focus on the Australian film industry and its culture. These theoretical traditions will provide resources used by students to produce detailed and specific studies of contemporary cinema and cultural practices. By apprehending diverse theoretical accounts of cinema and cultural studies in relation to Australian screen and cultural practices, students will engage with some of the significant problems of the cultures we inhabit. Students will also explore research and professional pathways.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject students should have:

• an understanding of the basic approaches of the major theoretical traditions in Cinema and Cultural Studies as they relate to Australian film;
• developed the analytical skills and methodological confidence to produce small-scale studies of contemporary cinema and cultural practices;
• an appreciation of the analytical scope and theoretical importance of the study of contemporary cinema and culture;
• a familiarity with the development and history of global Australian cinema.