Outline

Overview

Since the early 20th century, Hollywood has dominated film screens around the world. This unit considers America's 'dream factory' as profit-oriented industry, mass entertainment, and cinematic art form. It covers key historical developments including the star system, Production Code censorship, New Hollywood, and the franchise film.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Film Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ARHT1003
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Susan Potter, susan.potter@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Tanya Pesa, tanya.pesa@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Essay A written essay that develops a persuasive argument on a historical and/or contemporary aspect of Hollywood cinema. Further details to be advised during semester, and on the Canvas website.	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 16 Nov 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Multi-choice questionnaire on the unit content weeks 1-3.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59	250 wd equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	1 In-class supervised writing task: from observation to description A writing task designed to assess your learning and application of the foundational skills that support essay writing on Hollywood cinema.	20%	Week 05	750 wd equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	2 In-class writing task: key critical concepts and film analysis A writing task designed to assess your learning and application of the foundational skills that support essay writing on Hollywood cinema.	25%	Week 08	750 wd equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	3 In-class writing task: developing your argument A writing task designed to assess your learning and application of the foundational skills that support essay writing on Hollywood cinema.	25%	Week 10	750 wd equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

More information can be found in Canvas

Assessment criteria

More detailed information about assessments and marking criteria will be available on the Canvas website.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Show Business, Dream Factory	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Show Business, Dream Factory	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	It's 'Only' Entertainment - Blonde Venus (Josef von Sternberg, Paramount, 1932)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	It's 'Only' Entertainment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Hollywood's Commercial Aesthetic: Focus on Genre - Stagecoach (John Ford, United Artists, 1939)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Hollywood's Commercial Aesthetic: Focus on Genre	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Hollywood Classical Style - His Girl Friday (Howard Hawks, Columbia, 1940)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Hollywood Classical Style	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	The Studio System - Gilda (Charles Vidor, Columbia, 1946)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	The Studio System	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Stars and the Star System - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Howard Hawkes, Twentieth Century Fox, 1953)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Stars and the Star System	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	The Production Code and its Breakdown - Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock, Paramount, 1960)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	The Production Code and its Breakdown	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	New Hollywood - Saturday Night Fever (John Badham, Paramount, 1977)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	New Hollywood	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	From Blockbusters to Franchises - Terminator 2: Judgment Day (James Cameron, Tri-Star Pictures, 1991)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	From Blockbusters to Franchises	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Postclassical Style - Speed Racer (The Wachowskis, Warner Bros, 2008)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Postclassical Style	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Working in Hollywood - Barbie (Greta Gerwig, Warner Bros, 2023) *Guest lecture Vice President Sony Pictures Australia*	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Working in Hollywood	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Black Hollywood - Get Out (Jordan Peele, Universal, 2017)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Black Hollywood	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Writing Hollywood: In-Lecture Essay Workshop	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

How is the unit taught? What are the timetabled activities?

Screenings each week are opportunities to watch films together in a cinema-like atmosphere with your peers. You'll be guided in how to watch films critically, and how to develop foundational observational and note-taking skills.

Lectures will involve active listening, note-taking, as well as reflecting on and responding to lecture content, lines of inquiry and argument in real time. You'll be invited to participate in live polls, quizzes and other interactive activities. You'll also engage in other kinds of written or creative learning activities, individually and with your fellow students in pairs or small groups. You'll be supported to develop your skills and confidence in finding your own voice and critical perspective on Hollywood cinema as the semester progresses.

Tutorials are smaller classes designed to deepen your engagement with lecture material, required readings, the films, as well as the skills and knowledge required to complete your assessment successfully.

What to bring to screenings, lectures and tutorials

We will be using different kinds of technologies in screenings, lectures and tutorials, both old and new.

Make sure to bring the following to all timetabled classes and activities:

Pen or pencil
Notebook, or pad of paper
Smartphone.

Do I have to attend lectures and tutorials?

Yes :) You need to attend at least 90% of both lectures and tutorials (see Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Resolutions: Coursework Awards clause 8, and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences - Student Attendance at Classes Provisions 2025, in particular clauses 4, 6, 7 and 8).
In this unit of study, that means:
- 11 lectures (weeks 1-12), and
- 11 tutorials (weeks 2-13).
Attendance at lectures will be recorded via a random poll or quiz (on paper, or online) at some point during the lecture.
- In cases where the poll or quiz is presented electronically, students must not share the link or QR code with anyone not physically present in the lecture - this will be regarded a serious breach of the Student Charter.
We recognise that for a few of you a timetable clash may be unavoidable. We encourage you to balance attending the lecture with your other class commitments.
If you have a clash with the lecture, make sure to talk with the unit of study coordinator or your tutor by the end of week 2 to ensure that we understand your situation (see below regarding the consequences of low attendance in the unit).

Why do I need to attend lectures?

Lectures involve much more than the delivery of information or slide notes. Lectures are embodied, relational and dialogic learning spaces.
You will connect with other students in the class, and engage in individual and small group activities designed to support your learning.
Most crucially, the activities during lectures (starting from week 1) will help prepare you to complete the in-class (tutorial) writing assessments successfully.

Why do I need to attend tutorials?

Tutorials are smaller classes where you will deepen your engagement with the weekly film, lecture material, and readings.
Tutors support your individual and group learning, including developing your capacities to complete the unit assessments successfully.
Tutors will take a weekly attendance roll.

What are the consequences if I can't attend lectures and tutorials?

If you are having difficulties attending lectures and tutorials, it's important that you get in touch with the unit of study coordinator or your tutor as soon as possible.
Attendance is governed by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences - Student Attendance at Classes Provisions 2025.
Clause 21 of the Provisions states:

As required by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Resolutions: Coursework Awards, if a formally enrolled student is absent from 50% or more of classes, regardless of the reasons for the absence, the case will be automatically referred to the end-of-semester departmental examiners’ meeting for a determination as to whether the student should pass or fail the unit, or, if a pass is awarded, the level of penalty that should be applied. Students have the opportunity to appeal as outlined in the University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule.

In other words, if you are not able to attend more than half of the lectures and tutorials, regardless of the reason for your lack of attendance, we will consider your case at the end-of-year Board of Examiners meeting.
It's important, as already stated, that you get in touch with us as soon as possible so that we understand your situation and so that we can provide assistance, and/or connect you to any other support that you may need.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Information on required films and readings, and other learning materials, are available on the Canvas website.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Identify elements of Hollywood’s classical style and commercial aesthetic, and analyse their effects in terms of narrative and symbolic meaning, audience experience, and ideology;
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Hollywood cinema across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and its most significant technological, industrial, and aesthetic transformations;
LO3. Critically reflect on Hollywood cinema as mass entertainment and cinematic art form;
LO4. Draw on the concepts and issues explored in the unit, as well as further independent research, to construct arguments and perspectives on Hollywood cinema.
LO5. Engage meaningfully with other students and tutors in structured, planned and impromptu class-room discussions

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback, the sequencing of the film then lecture has been streamlined into one day per week, with tutorials on the film and lecture topic running in the following week. In addition, in response to Faculty feedback and design input, the assessments have been redesigned as a structured series of assessments for learning to write a film studies essay, from pre-work undertaken when watching films through to developing a persuasive, critically objective argument inflected by students' situated (personal) knowledges and critical interests.

Additional information

ASSESSMENTS

Are there simple extensions for in-class writing assessments?

No, there are no simple extensions for in-class writing assessments.

I was sick/ something happened during the week of an in-class writing assessment that meant that I couldn't attend: what should I do?

As soon as possible do the following:
- Advise your tutor as to the reasons for your missed assessment.
- If applicable, lodge a special consideration application.
You will be able to make up your missed in-class writing assessment at the end of the semester in an In-Class Written Test.
Details will be provided later in semester about where and when you will make up for your missed assessment.
You will only need to take a part of the test related to your missed in-class writing assessment. If you missed more than one in-class writing assessment, then you will need to take the test for more than one part.
The In-class Written Test will test the same learning outcomes as your missed in-class writing assessment, however it may be delivered differently. For example, instead of watching a clip, you'll be asked to analyse on paper a series of framegrabs from a film sequence.

I have an academic plan with adjustments that need to be considered: what should I do?

Contact the unit of study coordinator to discuss and confirm your adjustment(s).

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

FILM1001: Hollywood: Art, Industry, Entertainment

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

What to bring to screenings, lectures and tutorials

Do I have to attend lectures and tutorials?

Why do I need to attend lectures?

Why do I need to attend tutorials?

What are the consequences if I can't attend lectures and tutorials?

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Are there simple extensions for in-class writing assessments?

I was sick/ something happened during the week of an in-class writing assessment that meant that I couldn't attend: what should I do?

I have an academic plan with adjustments that need to be considered: what should I do?

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links