107-078 Italian National Cinemas

Usually 12.5 points of first-year cinema studies, see Prerequisites or first-year European studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject is a study of the institutional and cultural aspects of national cinemas through a case study of Italian cinema and cinemas of the Italian diaspora in Australia since the second World War. The representation of regional, class and gender differences will be studied in relation to formal and aesthetic invention, postwar political and philosophical debate, issues of migration and the construction of Italian national identity. Students should complete the subject with a grasp of the concept of a national cinema in relation to contemporary art house and entertainment film production, exhibition and distribution.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

A seminar participation 10% (assessed weekly), a 1000 word take home exam 40% (due during semester), and a 3000 word research essay 50% (due in the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.