Introduction to film studies

This introductory unit aims to acquaint you with basic principles of film studies, including film theory and history. Topics to be discussed include: film narrative and formal analysis, film sound and editing, film genre and authorship, art cinema and national cinemas, documentary and experimental film practice. Attention will be paid to recent theories of film including those which address the socio-political significance of the medium and the ways in which it may reinforce conceptions of social and sexual identity. Film texts for exploration include those from Australian, American, European and Asian cinemas.