107-238 Exiles: Diaspora and European Cinema

Usually 12.5 points of first-year cinema studies

This subject introduces students to the notion of cultural diaspora and how it pertains to contemporary European cinema. It rethinks the cinematic canon in the wake of the dissolution of the boundaries of the nation state and the formation of both supranational structures of governance (such as the European Union) and more marginal and/or diasporic communities. Students will examine how European cinema has been subject to interregional flows in the context of recent socio-historical shifts such as the collapse of the communist regimes, the dissolution of the Eastern bloc, and the establishment of the European Union. The subject considers the changing perception and (de)construction of national/ethnic identities and communities by mapping the transformation of the traditional notions through which cultural production in general and cinema in particular have been conceived. It does so by examining the idea of cosmopolitanism, the rise of supranational structures, the dissolution of nation-statist boundaries, and the emergence of cultural diasporas. Case studies will encompass the work of expatriate filmmakers as well as the progressive internationalisation of cinema and other Europuding trends animating the contemporary film industry.

• Students who complete this subject should: be able to research through the competent use of libraries and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments, and communicate critically, theoretically, creatively and economically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, essays, assignments and examination revision;

• have developed their ability to think creatively and express their ideas clearly in written communication;

• have developed their skills in verbal communication and oral presentation.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising a class paper 40% (due during the semester), a research essay 50% (due during the examination period) and an oral tutorial presentation 10% (due during the semester). It is a hurdle requirement of this subject that students attend 80% of tutorials in order to receive an assessment for this subject.

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the start of semester.