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    Overview

    An examination of a topic or topics pertaining to contemporary American cinema - such as the romantic comedy, the science fiction film, documentary genres, new technologies in American cinema, global Hollywood.

    The notion of the film director as author has long been a central theoretical and historical issue within cinema studies. Film authorship has been crucially important both to film studies and the film industry itself in the last several decades. This paper will study the ways authorship has been theorised; its impact on the New Hollywood cinema of the late 1960s to the present; and the work of a selection of contemporary American directors as authors. Students will leave the paper with a greater understanding of film history and the work of the film director. It is ideal for MFCO majors, humanities students, students who wish to work in any part of the film industry and any student interested in contemporary cinema.

    About this paper

    Paper title Contemporary American Cinema
    Subject Media, Film and Communication
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    18 200-level MFCO or FIME points
    Restriction
    FIME 311
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Notes
    Students who have not passed the normal prerequisite may be admitted with approval from the Head of Department.
    Contact
    mfco@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Convenor and Lecturer: Dr Paul Ramaeker
    Paper Structure

    This paper covers a history of the New Hollywood, a study of film authorship and the examination of four major New Hollywood directors as authors.

    Assessment:

    • Participation 5%
    • Reading Response One 10%
    • Reading Response Two 10%
    • Essay 30%
    • Final Examination 45%
    Teaching Arrangements

    This paper is taught via lectures, screenings and tutorials.

    Textbooks

    Readings will be available in the Course reader or on Blackboard.

    Course outline

    View a sample course outline for MFCO 319

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of theories of authorship
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the history of contemporary American cinema
    • Demonstrate critical thinking abilities
    • Demonstrate skill at written communication of ideas
    • Demonstrate ability to conduct and use independent research in writing about film

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024

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