Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Uses of Film Theory

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

In 2021 this course is titled: Histories of Film History

From Semester 1 2022 this course will be titled: Uses of Film Theory

 


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM1036

City Campus

Undergraduate

335H Applied Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009

COMM1036

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024,
Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Stephanie Milsom & Bradley Dixon

Course Coordinator Phone: N/A

Course Coordinator Email: stephanie.milsom@rmit.edu.au and bradley.dixon@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 4

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for an appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

This is an advanced level course. It is highly recommended that you successfully complete a minimum of two courses (24 credit points) from the Cinema Studies Minor stream before attempting this course (i.e., any two courses from: COMM1031 Introduction to Cinema Studies, COMM2875 Beyond the Frame, COMM2876 Cinema and Nation, COMM2880 Film Criticism).

Contact the Course Coordinator if you think you may be eligible to enter the course due to prior learning.


Course Description

This course explores the nature and changing role of film theory throughout the twentieth and into the twenty-first century. It examines theory’s implications for how we understand films and screen texts more broadly, as well as how we can put historical film theory to use in thinking through contemporary texts and screen practices.   This course is the capstone in the Cinema Studies minor and is recommended for students who wish to undertake honours and/or further study in film, television or screen studies.

 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcome:
  • Identify, evaluate and critically analyse cultural, historical and theoretical practices which contextualise your professional practice and further study


Course Learning Outcomes   Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:   1. Identify and discuss the development and relevance of a range of film theories 2. Apply film theories to the analysis of diverse cinematic texts and experiences 3. Compare and contrast different film theories and how they relate to the historical development of the field 4. Make use of film theory to reflect critically on your own viewing experiences and interpretations


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectures, tutorials, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course.   A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.   There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

Assessment Tasks Task 1: Reflective Task (30%) (CLO: 1, 2 & 4) Task 2: Theory Explainer (30%) (CLO: 1 & 2) Task 3: Research Essay (40%) (CLO: 1, 2, 3 & 4)   If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.