Course coordinator
Professor Jason Jacobs
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Study of major texts from national cinemas, film movements & narrative modes that have become central points of reference in contemporary screen studies.
The focus of this course is on the theory and analysis of film movements and genres, focusing on key film genres of Classical Hollywood cinema as well as some of the influential film movements and styles of film making that have emerged from Europe and Asia. This semester we study German Expressionism, Film Noir, Screwball Comedies, Melodrama, Musicals, Westerns, Japanese National Cinema, French New Wave, Horror, Science Fiction, and blends of genre.
Course requirements
Assumed background
All students are assumed to have taken the prerequisite course MSTU1001 Introduction to Film and Television, and there will be no provision in this course for revision of the basic concepts taught there.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MSTU1001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CCST2300
Restrictions
Course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
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
This course aims to develop knowledge, skills, and graduate attributes relevant to:
1. The social, cultural, and historical factors that shape the emergence, continuity, and development of a variety of film movements and genres.
2. Theoretical understandings of a variety of film movements and genres as has been developed in the field of film and television studies.
3. The aesthetic and narrative conventions of a range of film movements and genres.
4. The development of film appreciation, evaluation, and criticism through close attention to paradigmatic works of a range of film movements and genres, and the reading of a variety of scholarly and critical appraisals of particular films.
5. How central issues within film studies – such as authorship, performance and stardom, film form, realism, conceptions of taste, and distinctions in art –ﾠare given new life through the study of a variety of film movements and genres.
6. The development of critical reading skills, research and analysis skills, written and communication skills, and the capacity to work independently and with others.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify the social, cultural, and historical factors that shape the emergence, continuity, and development of a variety of film movements and genres.
LO2.
Understand and evaluate theoretical perspectives of a variety of film movements and genres as has been developed in the field of film and television studies.
LO3.
Identify the aesthetic and narrative conventions of a range of film movements and genres.
LO4.
Develop critical skills through engagement with film appreciation, evaluation, and criticism and the close attention to paradigmatic works of a range of film movements and genres, and the reading of a variety of scholarly and critical appraisals of particular films. Further, applying these methods through the completion of written and oral assessment
LO5.
Reflect on how central issues within film studies such as authorship, performance and stardom, film form, realism, conceptions of taste, and distinctions in art are given new life through the study of a variety of film movements and genres.
LO6.
Demonstrate enhanced critical reading skills, research and analysis skills, and communication skills.
LO7.
Work effectively in a group through the development of skills involved in collaboratively developing ideas, evaluating films, and critiquing theoretical perspectives on a range of film movements and genres.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
In Class Written Reflection
|
20% 1 page |
3/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Collected at the end of the tutorial. Each piece is worth 4 marks and your best 5 are counted toward the final mark. |
| Essay/ Critique | Genre Scene Analysis | 30% 1000 words (+/-10%) |
11/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Genre Project | 50% 2000 words (+/-10%) |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
In Class Written Reflection
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 20% 1 page
- Due date
3/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Collected at the end of the tutorial. Each piece is worth 4 marks and your best 5 are counted toward the final mark.
Task description
This is an in class, paper based written exercise that tests your knowledge and understanding of either a short clip or the reading for that week. You will be given 10-20 minutes to write a short account of what it is you find significant and why, about either a short clip from that week's class, or the weekly reading. You may not refer to any electronic media (phones, laptops, translators) for this exercise which will be supervised and collected at the end of class.
Each exercise is worth 4 marks and your 5 best results will be counted toward the final overall mark.
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
Collected in person at the end of each tutorial.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please note: this is an in-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
Please note: as this assessment is completed and submitted in tutorials, late submission is not possible.
Genre Scene Analysis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 1000 words (+/-10%)
- Due date
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
You will be asked to write in detail about a scene from a course film. Guidelines will be posted on Blackboard.
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
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.
Genre Project
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50% 2000 words (+/-10%)
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
This is a written piece that responds to a list of topics posted on Blackboard later in semester.
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
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) | 0 - 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 visit Blackboard course website for recommended readings and screenings and additional assessment detail.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture Introduction and German Expressionism. Watch film: Nosferatu (Murnau, 1922) |
Tutorial |
Week 1 Tutorial Introduction and German Expressionism. Watch film: Nosferatu (Murnau, 1922) |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture Film Noir. Watch film: Out of the Past (Tourneur, 1947) |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial Film Noir. Watch film: Out of the Past (Tourneur, 1947) |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture Screwball Comedy. Watch Film His Girl Friday (Hawks, 1940) |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial Screwball Comedy. Watch Film His Girl Friday (Hawks, 1940) |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture Melodrama. Watch Film: Now Voyager (Rapper, 1942) |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial Melodrama. Watch Film: Now Voyager (Rapper, 1942) |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture The Musical. Watch Film: Gold Diggers of 1933 (LeRoy, 1933) |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial The Musical. Watch Film: Gold Diggers of 1933 (LeRoy, 1933) |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 6 NO LECTURE - READING WEEK |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 6 NO TUTORIAL - READING WEEK |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture The Western. Watch Film: The Searchers (Ford, 1956). |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial The Western. Watch Film: The Searchers (Ford, 1956). |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture Art Cinema and National Cinema Part 1. Watch Film: Tokyo Story (Ozu, 1953). |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorial Art Cinema and National Cinema Part 1. Watch Film: Tokyo Story (Ozu, 1953). |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture Art Cinema and National Cinema Part 2: The 400 Blows (Truffaut, 1959). |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial Art Cinema and National Cinema Part 2: The 400 Blows (Truffaut, 1959). |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10 NO LECTURE - PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10 NO TUTORIAL - PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture Horror. Watch Film: The Exorcist (Friedkin, 1973). |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial Horror. Watch Film: The Exorcist (Friedkin, 1973). |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture Science Fiction. Watch Film: Blade Runner 2049 (Villeneuve, 2017). |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial Science Fiction. Watch Film: Blade Runner 2049 (Villeneuve, 2017). |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13 Lecture Genre Blending. Watch Film: No Country for Old Men (Coen Brothers, 2007). |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Tutorial Genre Blending. Watch Film: No Country for Old Men (Coen Brothers, 2007). |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.