This course provides students with aspects of an insider's view of the film-making process. In a series of masterclasses, students will be exposed to a range of approaches to ethnographic filmmaking. A key focus will be on research-based filmmaking, and students will have the opportunity to explore the distinctive challenges of research-based filmmaking with experienced practitioners. Each workshop will involve viewing a film, or selection of film excerpts, an intensive discussion with the filmmaker, and critical discussion of pertinent issues partly informed by set readings. The course is intended primarily for students in the Visual Culture Research sub-plan of the Liberal Arts program, however, it will suit students in other sub-plans, most especially those specialising in Cultural and Environmental Heritage. 

Course aims:

On completing this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Synthesise and articulate key concepts relevant to ethnographic filmmaking, and demonstrate effective and analytic interdisciplinary thinking.

2. Think critically about ethnographic film, the ethnographic approach to filmmaking, and the way it communicates.

3. Understand a range of visual practices and techniques required for professional filmmaking contexts in the cultural and anthropological sectors.

4. Exhibit confidence in explaining the varying purposes, structures and effects of different kinds of ethnographic films and understand their approaches toward representation.

5. Model best practice and have a commitment to ethical, reflective practice in visual studies.

Learning outcomes:

1. To gain awareness, through first -hand contact with distinguished filmmakers, of various ethnographic approaches to filmmaking.

2.   To develop skills in interdisciplinary thinking and the ability to recognise the relationship between abstract theoretical ideas and the practical possibilities and constraints of the filmmaking process.

3.   To gain skills required for humanities research work, particularly in relation to the technique of visual analysis and written presentation at the standard of a postgraduate degree.

4. To demonstrate widespread knowledge of and ongoing engagement with ethnographic film.

• Assignment 1: 1000 word critical review of one of the films screened during the course (20%)
• Assignment 2: 1000 word critical review of one of the films screened during the course (20%)
• Assignment 3: 2000-3000 word essay on one of a choice of topics (50%)
• Attendance and Participation (10%)

lecture + seminar/workshop

Courses offered from the Liberal Arts program, specifically those from the Visual Culture Research sub-plan.