University of Technology, Sydney

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59302 Film and Popular Culture 1

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: International Studies: Arts and Social Sciences
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Handbook description

This is one of four subjects specifically designed for international students in the Australian Language and Culture program. This subject examines texts and genres from popular culture (e.g. film, television, new media and internet) in order to develop both English language proficiency and a critical approach to cultural phenomena. This subject aims to develop students' capacity to interpret and communicate in English about elements of English-speaking cultures.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students will:

1. be aware of key genres of popular culture

2. be able to compare Western, English speaking genres with those of their home countries

3. demonstrate a critical understanding of the effects of mediated experience

4. have developed their English language proficiency in all four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Writing Task - Description

Weighting: 25 marks
Criteria:

• Description addresses all aspects of task in sufficient detail; thoughtful reflection on characters, ideology and values portrayed in film
• Structure logical and coherent; organised into paragraphs with topic sentences and appropriate examples from film
• Language register (level) appropriate to written description; vocabulary appropriate and varied
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation correct
• Professional presentation showing evidence of editing and proof-reading
• Additional comments and suggestions for improvement

Assessment Item 2: Writing Task - Analytical Comparison

Weighting: 25 marks
Criteria:

• Analysis demonstrates critical reflection; clear explanations of variety of views; thoughtful evaluation of alternative viewpoints; conclusions justified by evidence presented
• Structure logical and coherent; organised into paragraphs with topic sentences and appropriate examples from radio transcript and blogs
• Language register (level) appropriate to analytical comparison; uses appropriate transition signals and vocabulary
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation correct
• Professional presentation showing evidence of editing and proof-reading
• Additional comments and suggestions for improvement

Assessment Item 3: Reading, Viewing, Writing, Task - Discussion Essay

Weighting: 30 marks
Criteria:

• Analysis demonstrates critical reflection; clear explanations of variety of views; thoughtful evaluation of alternative viewpoints; conclusions justified by evidence presented
• Structure logical and coherent; organised into paragraphs with topic sentences and appropriate examples from radio transcript and blogs
• Language register (level) appropriate to analytical comparison; uses appropriate transition signals and vocabulary
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation correct
• Professional presentation showing evidence of editing and proof-reading
• Additional comments and suggestions for improvement

Assessment Item 4: Speaking - Oral Presentation

Weighting: 20 marks
Criteria:

• All elements of film included and appropriate examples from film used; thoughtful response to film and its elements; critical reflection evident
• Presentation effective and engaged audience; well organised, with effective introduction and conclusion, coherent sequence and smooth transition between sections; managed questions and comments well
• Professional appearance and appropriate body language; spoke clearly and to audience; used eye contact appropriately
• Professional powerpoint presentation using appropriate number of points per slide (4 – 6), attractive, engaging and relevant images/graphics

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, you must

· attempt, complete, and submit each assessment task;

· earn an overall total of 50 marks or more for the subject; and

· attend 80% of the subject.

References

Daily newspapers, including Sydney Morning Herald - paper and online versions

Cope, B. & Kalantzis M. 2000, A place in the sun: re-creating the Australian Way of Life Sydney, HarperCollins, NSW.

Edgar-Hunt, R., Marland, J. & Rawle, S. 2010, The language of film, Ava Publishing, Lausanne

Hodkinson, P. 2011, Media, culture and society: an introduction, Sage, Los Angeles

Kessler, L. & McDonald, D. 2000, When words collide: a media writer's guide to grammar and style, 5th edn, Wadsworth, Belmont, CA

Vasta, E. & Castles, S. 1996, The teeth are smiling: The persistence of racism in multicultural Australia, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, NSW

Zinsser, W. 1998, On writing well: the classic guide to writing nonfiction, 6th edn, HarperCollins, New York, NY