Outline

Overview

What is cinema in the twenty-first century? This unit examines the radical transformations that cinema has undergone in the past few decades. Where the onset of the digital initially sparked fears of cinema’s impending death, we will trace the complexity of cinema's evolution from its earliest celluloid incarnations to the technologies of digital simulation. We will consider how cinema’s intersection with mobile technologies, virtual reality, and streaming services has encouraged new ways of thinking about film’s potential to intervene in the political, ethical and philosophical problems of our current era.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Film Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in FILM or 12 credit points at 2000 level in ARHT or 12 credit points at 2000 level in ARIN
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ARHT3601
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Matilda Mroz, matilda.mroz@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Tanya Pesa, tanya.pesa@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Kaitlin Lake, kaitlin.lake@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Critical Writing Task 1 x 2000 words (equivalent) Critical writing task	35%	Formal exam period Due date: 12 Jun 2025 at 23:59	2000 words (equivalent)
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Structured Class Participation Students lead discussion, take responsibility for class activities and answer impromptu questions	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Supervised in-class test 500 words (equivalent) in-class written test	12.5%	Week 07	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Supervised in-class test 500 words (equivalent) in-class written test	12.5%	Week 08	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Interactive oral assessment 1 x 15 minute (1500w equivalent) interactive oral assessment	30%	Week 12	Oral test
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = restricted AI ?

Assessment summary

1/ In-class test. Worth 25%.

Word count equivalent: 1000 words for both tests (500 per test)

Test weeks: 6 and 8.

A short film clip from the required unit viewing will be played to the class twice through. Students will then be asked to provide short written responses to a series of prompts and questions about the film clip and its relationship to the film as a whole. Students will be provided with writing materials; no laptops or phones will be permitted.

Students will be given 30 minutes to write their answers. The clip will be played for a third time just before the end of the test so that students can finalise their answers.

This test will be run twice in semester. Only the student’s best result will count towards the final grade.

The tests are designed to assess students’ ability to engage in moving-image analysis and require close engagement with the required viewing and reading for the unit. Mock tests will be run in the first few weeks of semester, which will allow students to practice their analytical skills each week and become familiar with the test format and expectations.

In order to write a cogent analysis in the test, students must have watched the assigned film for the week and be able to make meaningful connections between the clip shown and the film as a whole. Students will not know in advance which section of the film will be used for the test.

2/ Structured class participation. Worth 10%.

Ongoing

Active participation in tutorials is an important part of learning in this unit. Tutorials are designed to be a welcoming and supportive space for exploring the critical issues that arise in the unit. Tutorial participation includes demonstrated preparation for tutorial discussions (watching films, attending lectures, doing the reading), as well as the forms of conduct, leadership, reasoning and listening outlined in the rubric which can be found on Canvas. Participation is structured via an 'on call' system: at the beginning of semester, each student will be allocated to one tutorial where they will be ‘on call’. A maximum of 5 students will be on call in any given week. Being on call means that the tutor can call on the student at any point during the tutorial to contribute to ongoing class discussion, and they are expected to take a leading role in any small-group activity.

The on call approach encourages students to take on more leadership roles in class, which not only enhances their engagement with the material but also helps them develop real-world transferrable skills, such as responsibility and communication. This does not mean that other students are exempt from participating in any given week. Rather, the on-call students are expected to take a more active and leading role in discussions. Tutors will circulate through the room to ensure that all group members are actively involved and contributing to the conversation, rather than just relying on the on-call student to drive the discussion. This strategy aims to create a more balanced and interactive environment, where all students can contribute to the discussion and develop key skills in listening, dialogue, and critical thinking.

3/ Interactive Oral Assessments. Worth 30%.

Word count equivalent: 1500

Students will attend a 15-minute appointment with the tutor or unit co-ordinator and engage in a structured conversation. The student will respond to prompts from the examiner to probe their understanding of material on the unit. Students are assessed on how clearly they can discuss their ideas and respond to questions, and how effectively they demonstrate their understanding of the topics, films and readings on the unit.

The IOAs for the unit will be scenario-based, as this has been found to be the most effective way to encourage students to think creatively and systematically, and enables assessors to tailor the assessment experience to individual student needs and abilities. Specific scenarios for the unit will include asking students to adopt the role of a film script consultant, film reviewer, and film festival curator, in order to demonstrate their understanding of unit theories, themes, concepts and films in a creative way.

Preparation for IOAs will be scaffolded across semester. Students will engage in practice tasks, example assessments, and discussions of marking rubrics, ensuring they are well-prepared for the final assessment.

The IOAs will take place in Weeks 12 and 13 of the unit.

4/ Critical Writing Task. Worth 35%.

Due: First exam week. 12 June 2025

Word count equivalent: 2000

Students are required to formulate a specific essay topic around one of the themes of the unit and write an essay using one reading from the required reading list and one film from the required viewing list. Students are expected to reflect on the chosen topic via a close focus on the text and film, and include discussion on how the chosen text can be used to deepen our understanding of the film, and vice versa (how the film can be used to deepen our understanding of the text).

Students will use 2-3 screenshots from their chosen film to accompany a close formal analysis, and are expected to draw on, reflect on, and critically discuss the details from the reading.

Use of AI

Each student must submit a short statement on whether and how AI has been used in this assessment.

Students are not permitted to use AI as a substitute for their own writing. Students may use AI to refine, for example, the topic, outline or structure for the essay.

If students do not wish to use AI for this task, they need only submit a document with the statement: No AI was used for this task.

If students choose to use AI, then they must write a statement (max. 200 words) on how AI has been used, including the exact prompts used, an indication of what material the AI generated, and how/why the essay developed, adapted, or rejected this material. Examiners will take this statement into account when marking, particularly when assessing the originality and depth of critical thinking displayed in the essay.

Assessment criteria

See Canvas for the assessment rubrics and criteria that apply to each individual assignment.

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
AF	Absent fail	0 - 49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Work not submitted on or before the due date is subject to a penalty of 5% per calendar day late. If work is submitted more than 10 days after the due date, or is submitted after the return date, the mark will be 0. Details of the Faculty Resolutions and Provisions regarding late work: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/arts/rules/faculty_resolutions_arts.shtml

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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	Introduction to Cinematic Transformations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Cinematic Transformations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	The Digital Turn: The Matrix	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	The Digital Turn: The Matrix	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Mobile Cinemas: Tangerine	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Mobile Cinemas: Tangerine	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	The Posthuman: Blade Runner 2049	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	The Posthuman: Blade Runner 2049	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Race, Gender and Posthuman Precarity: Advantageous	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Race, Gender and Posthuman Precarity: Advantageous	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Afrofuturism: Black Panther	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Afrofuturism: Black Panther	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Drone Cinema and Indigenous Storytelling: Goldstone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Drone Cinema and Indigenous Storytelling: Goldstone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	[Un]veiled Visions: Diasporic Filmmaking and Reverse Allegory	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	[Un]veiled Visions: Diasporic Filmmaking and Reverse Allegory	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Technologies of Sound and Vision in The Zone of Interest	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Technologies of Sound and Vision in The Zone of Interest	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Anthropocenema: Snowpiercer	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Anthropocenema: Snowpiercer	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Preparing for Final Assessments	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance

According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold. If a unit of study has a participation mark, your attendance may influence this mark. For more information on attendance, see https://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/arts/rules/faculty_resolutions_arts.shtml.

Attendance and requirements for this unit are as follows:

Tutorials: Starting in Week 2; 10 x 2-hour tutorials across the semester. Attendance will be taken. There is required reading and viewing that students must do before each class (see Canvas for week-by-week lists).

Lectures: Starting in Week 1; 11 x 1-hour lectures across semester. It is compulsory to either attend lectures in person or to view the lectures online. Some lectures will be available online only.

Screenings: Most of the required films will be screened after the lecture. Students are encouraged to attend screenings to watch the films collectively, without interruption, and in a cinema-style environment. Students who do not attend screenings must view the films themselves before tutorials.

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

See Canvas for a list of week-by-week required reading and viewing.

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. Evaluate the key artistic, political and technological coordinates of contemporary cinema.
LO2. Apply theoretical, critical and philosophical texts to contemporary film in nuanced and sophisticated ways.
LO3. Analyse celluloid and digital film with a close attention to detail.
LO4. Demonstrate new knowledge in interactive dialogues with peers and assessors.
LO5. Articulate the impact of digital and virtual technologies on contemporary social and cultural life.

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.

The reading list for this unit has been streamlined and the assessment portfolio revised.

Additional information

Additional costs

Students may be required to rent or purchase films for this unit. We have tried to keep costs to an absolute minimum and will warn students in advance where purchases might be necessary.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

FILM3000: Cinematic Transformations

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links