This course is intended as an introduction to the history and aesthetics of film and new media, as well as a primer in the analysis of both. Building on an acquired understanding of the elements of film technique, students will address questions of narrative, sound, spectatorship, and a consideration of film as social and cultural document. A 3 week component of the course will contextualize developments in film within the current stage of the digital revolution.

On successfully completing this course students will be able to

1. exercise a high degree of skill in analysing film and new media texts and
2. evaluate them as social and cultural documents
3. critically discuss a film and its context in an oral presentation
4. present ideas on film history and theory in a clear written format

• one 500 word exercise in close analysis, due in week 5                      (15 %)  - Learning outcome 1, 2
• one 10-15 minute oral presentation in class on weekly reading/film     (10%)   - Learning outcome 3
• a 1800 word essay, due post-semester break                                    (35%)  - Learning outcome 4
• end of semester exam, comprising of a written close analysis
  of 3 film sequences                                                                        (40%)  - learning outcome 1, 2

Two 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial,  and a two hour film screening per week. In addition students will be required to spend up to 5 hours per week outside the course, reviewing films and preparing tutorial responses.

No assumption of having done a prior film or media course.

No prerequisites

FILM1001A Introduction to Film Studies Part A and FILM1001B Introduction to Film Studies Part B

Course assumes a basic knowledge of films and general acquaintance with new media.

David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson, Film Art: An Introduction - Ninth Edition (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010)

None