131-026 Picturing Australia

Formerly available as 131-209/309. Students who have completed 131-209 or 131-309 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first year history, see Prerequisites, first year Australian studies, see Prerequisites, first year cinema studies, see Prerequisites, or first year politics, see Prerequisites.

This subject examines the changing representation of Australia and Australians through photography, documentary film and video. On completion of this subject students will be able to appreciate the ways in which the visual image produced by the camera has shaped understandings of the Australian way of life, social issues and ideas of national identity.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A class journal and presentation 1500 words 35% (final submission of journal at end of semester) and a research essay 2500 words 65% (due end of semester)