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Course profile

Introduction to Film & Television Studies (MSTU1001)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Communication & Arts School

An introduction to screen studies which explores the relationship between film and television and provides techniques for analysing screen texts, understanding the industrial and institutional history of film and television, and exploring the impact of aesthetic style, stardom, and genre on meaning and audience responses.

Introduction to Film and Television Studies is designed to teach students how to carefully observe, closely analyse, and critically evaluate motion picture artworks. After introducing students to the concepts of production, distribution, and exhibition, the course will be devoted to exploring the principles by which films and television shows are made, and exploring topics in film and television studies.ᅠ We will focus on narrative form and audiovisual style, examining on a distinct element of film form or style each week and gradually developing an understanding of artistic techniques and norms within the artform as well as a vocabulary to describe and analyse them. In order to facilitate these tasks, we ᅠwill screen a range of innovative, classic and contemporary Australian and international films and television programs.

Course requirements

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

CCST1300

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with: 

  • Your name 
  • Your student ID 
  • The course code 
  • A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference) 
  • Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP 

Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team. 

Aims and outcomes

Students completing this course will have acquired the analytical and research skills needed to pursue further study in the field of film and television studies.ᅠ Questions to be addressed by the course include: How does the formal organisation of a film or television program (i.e., its technical, aesthetic, and narrative conventions) contribute to the way viewers think about and engage with it?ᅠ How can we account for both similarities and differences in the way that individual viewers respond to the same text?

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Explain and apply the technical and analytical terms used in relation to film and television

LO2.

Use the language of film and television criticism and analysis in effective written and verbal communication.

LO3.

Critically analyse films and television programs

LO4.

Demonstrate an understanding of the industrial and institutional contexts of film and television production and reception.

LO5.

Apply the skills of film and television analysis to a variety of research problems and critical approaches in screen studies and adjacent disciplines.

LO6.

Build upon your introduction to and further develop your familiarity with films and television programs of different nations, cultures, and languages.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Participation/ Student contribution Weekly Tutorial Writing Exercise
  • In-person
20% 10 exercises x 2 marks

Week 2 - Week 13

Due in your tutorial each week.

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Scene Breakdown and Analysis 20% 1000 words (+/- 10%)

6/09/2024 4:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Formal Analysis Essay 25% 1000 words (+/- 10%)

4/10/2024 4:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Comparative Analysis Essay 35% 1500 word essay (+/- 10%)

4/11/2024 4:00 pm

Assessment details

Weekly Tutorial Writing Exercise

  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
20% 10 exercises x 2 marks
Due date

Week 2 - Week 13

Due in your tutorial each week.

Task description

Each week in tutorials, there will be a 5-10 minute writing exercise that must be completed. You are responsible for bringing your own pen or pencil. You will be given a specific prompt for each exercise; these will be related to the lecture, screening or reading, and may ask you to respond to a still image or brief clip presented in tutorial. Feedback will be given informally via peer groups in the tutorial immediately after writing. Tutors will collect the worksheets to record completion of the assessment task.

You will receive two marks for each completed exercise, one mark for a partial answer and zero marks for exercises that are incomplete (whether unsubmitted because of non-attendance, submitted but blank, submitted but not responding to the prompt, illegible, etc.) 

Academic Integrity and AI/MT: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submission in your tutorial each week.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Please note: this is a class assessment item and students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your tutor or course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available. 

Late submission

Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.

Scene Breakdown and Analysis

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
20% 1000 words (+/- 10%)
Due date

6/09/2024 4:00 pm

Task description

For this assessment, you must complete a breakdown of the allocated clip that has been uploaded to Blackboard.

After watching the designated film clip presented in class and posted to Blackboard, you are to break down the scene into its constituent parts, noting and naming stylistic features and techniques. You must also analyse the stylistic choices and the effect they seem designed to have on the audience. Please only discuss aspects of mise-en-scene and cinematography.

Start by pasting a screen grab of each shot into a document. Caption each shot with its number in the sequence (e.g. "Shot 1," "Shot 2," etc.). Below this, separate your observations into "Mise-en-Scene" and "Cinematography". Under these headings, you must list the stylistic features and techniques used in the scene. Please underline or bold-face terms from the course textbook Film Art, and indicate parenthetically the page number of the book where they are defined. You should not quote directly from the book; your task is to identify and describe the concrete uses of these features and techniques rather than to define them. This section should be no longer than 500 words (not including references).

On a separate page, you will write a short analytical discussion (up to 500 words) of the sequence you have annotated, explaining how the techniques you have written about create particular effects in the scene. Your discussion should have a thesis statement.

A task sheet, rubric and exemplars will be made available on Blackboard.

Academic Integrity and AI/MT: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submit via TurnItIn link on Blackboard.

TurnItIn Receipts: 

Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial. 

When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can: 

  • View the name of the submitted file 
  • View date and time of the upload 
  • Resubmit your paper (if necessary) 
  • Download your submitted paper 
  • Download digital receipt. 

If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work). 

If the submission was not successful: 

  • Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).  
  • Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again. 
  • If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached. 

Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Formal Analysis Essay

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
25% 1000 words (+/- 10%)
Due date

4/10/2024 4:00 pm

Task description

For this assessment, you must analyse one of the clips specified in lecture and uploaded to Blackboard.

For this assignment, you must write a short essay that analyses the form and style of one of the clips specified in lecture and on Blackboard and presents an argument about how form and style creates a particular effect in the clip. For this essay, you must carefully describe particular aspects of style (e.g.: mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound) AND make a claim about how these aspects function together. What purposes might they serve or what sorts of responses might they cue from the audience? You do NOT and should NOT try to discuss ALL the formal and stylistic aspects of a sequence; just focus on those that seem most salient and help you focus your argument.

You should NOT consult outside sources, but you MUST cite and demonstrate your understanding of the terms and concepts in Film Art. You must also use the referencing and formatting style stipulated in the 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style.

Please do NOT include still images in your essay.

A task sheet and rubric will be made available on Blackboard.

Academic Integrity and AI/MT: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submit via TurnItIn link on Blackboard.

TurnItIn Receipts: 

Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial. 

When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can: 

  • View the name of the submitted file 
  • View date and time of the upload 
  • Resubmit your paper (if necessary) 
  • Download your submitted paper 
  • Download digital receipt. 

If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work). 

If the submission was not successful: 

  • Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).  
  • Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again. 
  • If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached. 

Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Comparative Analysis Essay

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
35% 1500 word essay (+/- 10%)
Due date

4/11/2024 4:00 pm

Task description

For this assessment, you must answer one of the research questions posed on Blackboard. Additionally, you must closely analyse sequences from two (2) films from the course, and at least one (1) of these films must be from weeks 8-13 of the course. Additional instructions will be available on the task sheet and on Blackboard.

For this assignment, you will choose one of the essay questions posted on Blackboard and write a response to this question in the form of an essay. You will answer the question primarily through close analysis of film form and style (including mise-en-scene, cinematography, sound and editing). Your essay must have a central argument and make a claim about how aspects of form and style function together via a thesis. As we are asking you to look at two films, this argument should also be comparative – you should compare the form and style of one film to the other as part of your argument. You must demonstrate your understanding of the terms and concepts in the course textbook Film Art by including references to the textbook in your essay. You must also use appropriate research to support your argument, using a minimum of two (2) academic sources outside of the course readings. Your referencing and formatting style must adhere to that which is stipulated in the 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style.

Please do NOT include still images in your essay.

A task sheet and rubric will be made available on Blackboard.

Academic Integrity and AI/MT: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submit via TurnItIn link on Blackboard.

TurnItIn Receipts: 

Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial. 

When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can: 

  • View the name of the submitted file 
  • View date and time of the upload 
  • Resubmit your paper (if necessary) 
  • Download your submitted paper 
  • Download digital receipt. 

If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work). 

If the submission was not successful: 

  • Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).  
  • Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again. 
  • If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached. 

Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 1 - 24

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 25 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

  • Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%. 
  • Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

  • Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course. 
  • Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator. 
  • Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request. 
  • Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ᅠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university. 
  • Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released. 

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Please find all resources (including readings and screening) via the Course Reading List through the UQ Library.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

General contact hours

Week 1 Screening

This is Not a Film (2011, dir Jafar Panahi). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 1 Lecture

Introduction: Thinking Analytically about Film and Television. Reading: Film Art Chapter 1 "Film as Art: Creativity, Technology, and Business" by Bordwell, Thompson and Smith.

Tutorial

Week 1 NO TUTORIAL

Tutorials start in Week 2.

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

General contact hours

Week 2 Screening

Parasite (dir. Bong Joon Ho, 2019). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 2 Lecture

Form in Film and Television. Reading: Film Art Chapter 2 "The Significance of Film Form" by Bordwell, Thompson and Smith.

Tutorial

Week 2 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

General contact hours

Week 3 Screening

Citizen Kane (dir. Orson Welles, 1941). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 3 Lecture

Narrative and narration in Film and Television. Reading: Film Art Chapter 3 "Narrative Form" by Bordwell, Thompson and Smith.

Tutorial

Week 3 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

General contact hours

Week 4 Screening

In the Mood for Love (dir. Wong Kar-Wai, 2000). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 4 Lecture

Mise-en-scene. Reading: Film Art Chapter 4 "The Shot: Mise-en-Scene" by Bordwell, Thompson and Smith.

Tutorial

Week 4 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

General contact hours

Week 5 Screening

Wings of Desire (dir. Wim Wenders, 1987). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 5 Lecture

Cinematography. Reading: Film Art Chapter 5 "The Shot: Cinematography" by Bordwell, Thompson and Smith.

Tutorial

Week 5 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

General contact hours

Week 6 Screening

Beau Travail (dir. Claire Denis, 1999). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 6 Lecture

Editing. Film Art Chapter 6 "The Relation of Shot to Shot: Editing" by Bordwell, Thompson and Smith.

Tutorial

Week 6 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Week 7 - NO CLASSES

Writing week - no lecture, screening or tutorials.

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

General contact hours

Week 8 Screening

Sweet Country (2017, dir. Warwick Thornton). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 8 Lecture

Sound. Reading: Film Art Chapter 7 "Sound in the Cinema" by Bordwell, Thompson and Smith.

Tutorial

Week 8 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

General contact hours

Week 9 Screening

Petite Maman (2021, dir. Celine Sciamma). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 9 Lecture

Performance, Acting, and Stardom. Reading: Chapter 3: Notes on Acting in Cinema, pp. 49-57 in James Naremore's book An Invention without a Future: Essays on Cinema.

Tutorial

Week 9 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Mid-Semester Break

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

General contact hours

Week 10 Screening

Pan's Labyrinth (2006, dir. Guillermo del Toro). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 10 Lecture

Digital Effects and Digital Animation. Reading: Chapter 4: Trick or Treat: A Framework for the Narrative Uses of Digital Visual Effects in Film, pp. 69-102 in Shilo T. McClean's book Digital Storytelling: The Narrative Power of Visual Effects in Film.

Tutorial

Week 10 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

General contact hours

Week 11 Screening

Cameraperson (dir. Kirsten Johnson, 2015). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 11 Lecture

Documentary. Reading: Chapter 1 "How Can We Define Documentary Film?" in Bill Nichols' book Introduction to Documentary.

Tutorial

Week 11 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

General contact hours

Week 12 Screening

The Babadook (dir. Jennifer Kent, 2014). Can also be viewed on Kanopy.

Lecture

Week 12 Lecture

Genre in Film and Television. Reading: Chapter 14 "Questions of Genre" by Steve Neale (p. 178-203) and/or Chapter 13 "Film Bodies: Gender, Genre and Excess" by Linda Williams in the Film Genre Reader IV, edited by Barry Keith Grant.

Tutorial

Week 12 Tutorial

Please do the reading, watch the screening and view the lecture prior to coming to tutorials. Tutorials are designed to consolidate student's knowledge of film and television concepts from the readings and lecture, and build their analytical skills. Each week there is a graded tutorial writing task, followed by tutorial activities carried out individually, in groups, and as a class.

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Week 13 - NO CLASSES

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.