110-227 Islam, Orientalism and the Arabs in Film

Fifty points of first year level study within the Faculty of Arts.

This subject focuses on the disparate modes of representation that separate the Muslim, Arab and Western media, and explores each world's cultural and ideological perspectives. This will be achieved by exploring the West's filmic codes and conventions that portray themselves and the Arab and Muslim 'others'. Intrinsic to these codes are Western modernity's two most dominant cinematic perspectives ‐ the patriarchal 'Imperialist gaze' and the sexist 'Male gaze'. Students will gain analytical skills that assist them to uncover these gazes and the stereotyping practices in narrative cinema. They will also become aware of the subjectivities involved in the selection and editing processes of documentary filmmaking. The Eurocentric/Western conventions dominated by populist Hollywood cinema that provide us with an 'Orientalist' perspective of Islam are contrasted with the self-representation of filmmakers producing counter-cinema. Students will encounter Muslim and Arab perspectives on such important topics as migration, gender, sexuality and politics, as well as investigating themes of Imperialism, Orientalism and Post-Modernity. Students should complete this module with knowledge and an understanding of cinematic trends in the representation of Islam, Orientalism and the Arabs and of how film enables the viewer to identify with characters, places and situations. The module will also further considerably the students' historical and contemporary knowledge of the Muslim and Arab world.

• have developed an ability in critical thinking, and analysis and appreciation of film;

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

• have developed effective written communication skills.

A 1500 word tutorial paper 40% (due during the semester), a 2500 word essay 50% (due during examination period), and 10% tutorial participation.

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

• E Said, Orientalism. Penguin 1995.
• Matthew Bernstein & Gaylyn Studlar (eds), Visions of the East: Orientalism in Film. I B Taurus 1997.