Unit of study_

FILM4115: Film Theory: Art, Industry, Culture

2026 unit information

The relation of film to the artistic, industrial and cultural movements of the 20th and 21st centuries is an ongoing issue for film theorists. With the advent of digital processes and production the relation of art and industry has brought a new set of problems. How do we conceptualise new forms of filmmaking? What theoretical and aesthetic language(s) do we draw on? And how best to rethink film in the face of rapid technological and cultural change? These issues will be investigated by tracing the development of film theory itself, as a set of theoretical and philosophical frameworks that have sought to define, categorise, analyse and debate cinema's complex manifestations.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Arts and Social Sciences

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Film Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

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

  • LO1. critically analyse a range of film texts and demonstrate a knowledge of cinematic form, technique and style
  • LO2. Analyse and assess critical and theoretical debates, especially in relation to understanding the film viewing experience.
  • LO3. Demonstrate Skills in verbal communication and presentation
  • LO4. Demonstrate appropriate skills in critical and theoretical research and writing.

Unit availability

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Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2026
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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