107-405 Spectacles: Museums to Theme Parks

Special entry conditions apply. Itinerary and travel arrangements available from Australians Studying Abroad. Prospective students must register with ASA prior to approval of enrolment at http://www.asatravinfo.com.au. This is an intensive 23-day fieldwork program in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando and New York. Strict enrolment deadlines apply to subjects taught intensively. Any enrolment in, or withdrawal from, this subject must be made in line with HECS/course fee census dates.

37.5 points of cinema studies for third year or admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in cinema studies for fourth year.

This subject is taught in the United States during a study tour. The subject is concerned with exploring the concept of spectacle and display in contemporary urban environments. The focus will be on key spectacle venues in selected cities of the US: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando. The primary models of analysis will be the museum and the theme park, and their role and function as spectacular spaces within the twenty-first century city. The impact of new media technologies within the contexts of consumerism and 'infotainment' will be explored through specific case studies found in the theme park and museum sectors. Cinematic and spectacular features of these microcosms of culture will be tested against current arguments concerned with the 'empty spectacle' of our postmodern era. Attention will be drawn to the theme park-logic that infiltrates these urban structures as evidenced especially in the city of Las Vegas. Sites to be visited will include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Film and Television, the Frick Museum, Museum of the American Indian, Rockefeller Center/NBC studios, the Picture Palaces, Disneyland/Disneyworld, Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, Getty Museums, Huntington Library/Museum, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Vegas casino/theme parks.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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

Written work comprising a paper, a journal and an essay totalling 8000 words for 3rd year and 10 000 words for 4th year.