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    Overview

    A study of New Zealand film with emphasis placed upon historical and theoretical approaches.

    This paper is designed as a study of New Zealand cinema in its institutional and historical context with regard to some key issues. These issues include: the political economy of filmmaking in New Zealand; the socio-historical context of both the subject matter and production environment of several films; problems that arise in trying to articulate precisely what "New Zealand cinema" is and, by extension, what New Zealand is and who New Zealand filmmakers are (and, for that matter, New Zealanders generally). Ultimately, this will lead us to consider discourses of identity pertaining to several overlapping and conflicting forces: national, transnational, ethno-cultural and postcolonial.

    About this paper

    Paper title New Zealand Cinema
    Subject Media, Film and Communication
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    18 COMS, FIME or MFCO points
    Restriction
    FIME 206
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Contact
    mfco@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Convener and Lecturer: Dr. Yuki Watanabe

    Paper Structure
    MFCO 216 is divided into five modules:
    • National identity, political economy and the production of culture
    • Contested histories: Imagining New Zealand's past
    • Postcolonial identities: New Zealand's 'melting pot'?
    • Space and warfare: Land/cityscapes and power
    • In pursuit of New Zealand-ness: Nationalism and transnationalism
    Assessment:
    • Short Essay (1,500 words) 20%
    • Long Essay (2,000-2,500 words) 30% (25% plus 5% Hocken attendance)
    • Participation Exercises 15%
    • Evaluation (500 words) 5%
    • Mid-term and Final Tests 30% (15% each)
    Teaching Arrangements
    Lectures, tutorials, screenings and library visits (Central and Hocken).
    Textbooks

    Required readings will be available on Blackboard or in the course pack.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Research, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the central concepts, theories and current areas of debate in the study of Aotearoa New Zealand cinema.
    • Expand their viewing range and understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand films.

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Film Screening

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 15:00-17:50 9-13, 15-22

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 12:00-13:50 9-13, 15-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    T1 Wednesday 13:00-13:50 10-13, 15-20
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