This course examines the relationship between history and the moving image in two ways: by studying the history of film as well as history on film, from the beginnings of cinema to the ever-present screens of today. It begins with an analysis of the rise of Hollywood as an industrial and cultural institution, and explores the complex relationship and interaction between American and European cinema during the 20th century. At the same time, the course considers how history has been represented on screen, considering questions of authenticity, historical and national contexts, genre and production frameworks. From the Lumière brothers to the sword-and-sandal epics of Classical Hollywood and the historical reimaginings of Netflix series, we will investigate what formal strategies films and television series employ to depict historical events, places and the people within them.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand the historical context of cinema emerging as both an art form and a cultural product;
- discuss the relation between American and European cinematic traditions;
- appraise the complex relationship of cinematic history, and history as represented on screen; and
- critically reflect upon how film form and different cinematic styles influence our perception of history.
Indicative Assessment
- Essay (2000 words) (45) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Close analysis (1000 words) (25) [LO 1,4]
- In-class group presentation (15 mins) (20) [LO 1,3,4]
- Participation (10) [LO 2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of seminars, 12 hours of workshops and workshop-like activities, and
b) 24 hours of screenings; and
b) 70 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Readings will be listed on the course Wattle site.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5100 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3440 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |
