Outline

Overview

This unit explores cinema's engagement with earth's ecologies, from its environmental impacts as a resource-intensive industry, to its capacity to shape human perceptions and relations to the more-than-human world. From the ocean waves and fluttering leaves that captivated early film audiences, to contemporary representations of ecological collapse, this unit tests film's capacity to transform the centrality of 'the human', and to activate non-anthropocentric approaches to ecological renewal. A range of critical approaches to film, including ecocriticism, animal studies and posthumanism, will be used to illuminate diverse moving-image case studies.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Matilda Mroz, matilda.mroz@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 2 images and critical/theoretical analysis equivalent to 1700w	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2025 at 23:59	2 images; 1700 words (equivalent)
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Tutorial Leadership Assignment Answering pre-set and impromptu questions in tutorials; leading discussion	15%	Ongoing	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Visual and Written Portfolio Submission 1 3 film stills + 1 photo accompanied by written analysis equivalent to 800w	20%	Week 06 Due date: 04 Apr 2025 at 23:59	4 images; 800 words (equivalent)
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Visual and Written Portfolio Submission 2 7-8 stills + 2 photos accompanied by written analysis equivalent to 2000w	35%	Week 12 Due date: 23 May 2025 at 23:59	9-10 images; 2000 words (equivalent)
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Visual and Written Portfolio

In its final form, the Portfolio must consist of 9-10 images, each with a brief accompanying analysis.

The images in the Portfolio will fall into two categories:

7-8 images will be screen-grabs/stills from films studied on the unit (required and/or recommended viewing).

2 images will be photographs that students have taken themselves, during semester, of their own environments.

The Portfolio is structured as a cumulative assessment; there are two submission points, giving students the opportunity to revise some of the work before the final submission at the end of semester.

This assessment is intended to foster continuous and on-going student engagement and peer/tutor feedback throughout the unit. Students will have the opportunity in tutorials to discuss their chosen images and analysis, creating a peer feedback network. They will develop a greater understanding of the role of cinema in framing environments aesthetically, politically, epistemologically and ethically.

In contributing their own images to the Portfolio, students will situate themselves in a broader discourse around climate change, environmental activism, and post-human thinking. Through composing, photographing and framing their own images, students will be able to draw on their local environment, cultural experience, and socio-historical background, encouraging diversity, creativity and self-reflexivity.

Much writing on cinema (including academic essays, film reviews and festival catalogues) uses screen grabs or film stills. Students will learn how to use such images in a critical, theoretically-engaged way. The Portfolio encourages students to form connections between the films that we are studying on the unit, the theory and critical thinking that we are deploying, and the environments and non-human life around them. Students will develop a close attention to detail and an understanding of the relationship between image and theory/philosophy/activism.

Visual and Written Portfolio Submission 1

Weighting: 20%

3 film stills + 1 photo accompanied by written analysis. Equivalent to 800 words.

In Week 6, students will submit the first 4 images: 3 taken from films on the unit, and 1 original photograph taken by the student, each accompanied by a brief analysis. Tutors will give feedback that the students can carry forward into Submission 2.

Visual and Written Portfolio Submission 2

Weighting: 35%

7-8 stills + 2 photos accompanied by written analysis. Equivalent to 2000 words.

In Week 12, students will submit the full Portfolio of 9-10 images (7-8 film stills and 2 photographs), each accompanied by a brief analysis.

See Canvas for the specific marking criteria for this assessment.

Critical Writing Task

Weighting: 30%

2 images and critical/theoretical analysis. Equivalent to 1700 words.

The Critical Writing Task allows students to pursue their own interests within the field of ‘cinematic ecologies’, encouraging further critical awareness of their positioning within environmental and climate-related debates, and allowing them to link the practice of ‘framing’ images to broader scholarship in this field. Students may draw on the ideas presented in their Portfolios, but must not reproduce Portfolio material verbatim.

The Task asks students to:

Develop a topic of their choice within the unit. Individual meetings will be offered towards the end of semester for students to discuss potential topics with their tutors.
Engage in-depth with the analytical/theoretical/philosophical scholarship on the unit; it is expected approx. 3 pieces of scholarship will be used for the piece. Students are encouraged to use the required and recommended reading, which can be found on each module. If students are confident that they have demonstrated an in-depth understanding of key unit texts relevant to their topic, they may in addition conduct their own independent research, if relevant to the topic.
Discuss their topic in relation to 1-2 films on the unit, including required films, recommended films, and the films that have been featured in lecture and tutorial slides. If you are not sure whether a film can or cannot be discussed, please ask!
Use 2 images and integrate them into the ideas/arguments/theoretical framework for the essay. Students may use images from their Portfolios, but they may also choose an entirely new set of images to use in the Task.

See Canvas for the specific marking criteria for this assessment.

Tutorial Leadership Assignment

Weighting: 15%

Engaging with the required viewing/reading and lecture material, and participating in class discussion, is a mandatory minimum requirement for all students in tutorials.

As well as this general engagement in tutorials, students will be assessed for Tutorial Leadership. At the beginning of semester, each student will be allocated to one tutorial where they will be expected to lead discussion, lead any in-class activity such as film analysis exercises, and answer questions based on the required and recommended reading/viewing and lecture material for that week. Students must ensure that they are thoroughly prepared for the tutorial that they are allocated to lead. Students must submit a short (max. one page) dot-point document within the week following their Tutorial Leadership class, outlining the direction of class discussion and a summary of their leadership activities.

See Canvas for the specific marking criteria for this assessment.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is not permitted for any of the assessment tasks in this unit.

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.

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.

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 Ecologies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Cinematic Ecologies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	The Elements of Cinema	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	The Elements of Cinema	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Vibrant Matter	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Vibrant Matter	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Creaturely Cinema	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Creaturely Cinema	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Vegan Cinema	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Vegan Cinema	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Tentacular Cinema	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Tentacular Cinema	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	The Monstrous Hybrids of the Anthropocene	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	The Monstrous Hybrids of the Anthropocene	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Imperial Landscapes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Imperial Landscapes	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Sand Talk and Country	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Sand Talk and Country	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Beneath Clouds	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Beneath Clouds	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	The Landscapes of Slow Violence	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	The Landscapes of Slow Violence	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Ecological Thinking and Critical Writing: Final Assessment Guidance	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Student consultations	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Student consultations	Workshop (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; 11 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; 12 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.

Required viewing for the unit is as follows:

Week	Film
1	American Honey (Andrea Arnold, UK, 2016)
2	The Pearl Button (Patricio Guzmán, Chile, 2015)
3	Marcel The Shell with Shoes On (Dean Fleischer Camp, USA, 2021)
4	Fish Tank (Andrea Arnold, UK, 2009)
5	Cow (Andrea Arnold, UK, 2021)
6	Evolution (Lucile Hadžihalilović, France, 2015)
7	Annihilation (Alex Garland, USA/UK, 2018)
8	Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock (Josh Fox, James Spione, and Myron Dewey, USA, 2017)
9	Limbo (Ivan Sen, Australia, 2023)
10	Beneath Clouds (Ivan Sen, Australia, 2002)
11	Timbuktu (Abderrahmane Sissako, France/Mauritania/Qatar, 2014)

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. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of cinema’s historical and contemporary engagements with ecologies, environments and animals
LO2. Engage with current theoretical approaches concerning the intersections between cinema, environment, and non-human life
LO3. Demonstrate complex, subtle analyses of practices of framing across documentary, fiction, and experimental cinema
LO4. Produce peer-reviewed and independent, creative and analytical, content in visual, written and spoken formats
LO5. Demonstrate a self-reflexive understanding of your own role and capacity as a cultural agent to intervene in scholarly, practitioner and activist work on climate change and other ecological issues.

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 unit content and structure has been streamlined and a Tutorial Leadership Assignment has been introduced into the assessment portfolio.

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

FILM3006: Cinematic Ecologies

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