South East Asian Film
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC3020 | Media, Languages and Cultures | 3 | 10 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- MLAC3020
- School
- Media, Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
This course introduces students to the diverse contemporary culture and society of Southeast Asia as well as to cinema practices in the region. The course will focus broadly on three categories: national film histories, genres and social themes. A brief summary of cinema in selected countries for the semester will provide students with a sense of the duration of cinema and cinematic traditions in the region. The sheer origin of cinema has always signified modernity for Southeast Asians. With nearly a century of exposure to film in the region, we will consider how this medium has become unique to each country as the self-representation and documentation of societies in the midst of socio-cultural transitions and intense economic and political development. Assuming that film provides a representation and reflection of social concerns (through mass entertainment as well as more political concerns), we will address the various forms of creative and artistic expression that are possible, considering aspects such as new technologies and familiarity with film genres as well as censorship and other socio-economic restrictions.
Target Students
Third year Film and Television students who are doing this module as a compulsory element of their degree. Non-School students and those not meeting prerequisites will require permission from the module convenor. Available to JYA/Erasmus students. This Module has been identified as being particularly suitable for first year students, including those from other Schools.
Classes
- One 2-hour-30-minute practicum each week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 35% Coursework 1: 1,800 word essay
- 40% Coursework 2: 2,000 - 2,500 words essay
- 10% Participation: based upon level of engagement
- 15% Short Class Quizzes: 3 unannounced short quizzes
Educational Aims
To broaden your knowledge of the specific histories of cinema, film production and culture in the countries studied.To explore and define key theoretical frameworks relating to cinema.To examine the relevance of such frameworks to new geographical and social contexts.Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the varied functions of film (as ideological/political, as social representation, as part of the culture industry or as national or as artistic expression).
- Think, write and argue with key concepts of film form, genre, themes and theories in an applied fashion to the films from the region.
- Reflect on and discuss your own learning as it relates to the course subject matter.
- Comprehend and synthesize main ideas from the readings