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This course addresses the myriad and often conflicting ways that sex and sexuality have been represented throughout the history of Western cinema, with an emphasis upon Hollywood and American independent film.
This course addresses the myriad and often conflicting ways that sex and sexuality have been represented throughout the history of Western cinema, with an emphasis upon Hollywood and American independent film. We begin with early representations of sex and bodies and consider the significant impact and legacy of the Motion Picture Production Code, a ‘morality code’ that was enforced in the United States from the mid-1930s to the 1960s. We then move on to a diverse range of films and genres including comedy, horror, exploitation film and art film. We will explore ideological, social, ethical and artistic debates within film studies, while also addressing some important subgenres, historical trends and specific films and filmmakers. Throughout this course you will be challenged to think about the ways that the (re)presentation of sex on screen might be used to confront, titillate and shock audiences, as well as how film might be used as a mouthpiece for marginalised communities or as a social barometer. You will also be asked to engage with some important movements within cinema studies and the broader study of gender and visual culture, from the development and politics of queer filmmaking, to auteur theory, to the emergence of modern sexuality studies. You will develop the ability to critically analyse and discuss sex and sexuality in the cinema, and you will be able to contextualise your analyses within the history and development of Western filmmaking.Please note that this is an intensive summer school course that condenses a full semester 15-point course into five weeks. It requires in-person engagement for students to succeed, and is not designed to be taken by distance. Many of the twelve films shown in our in-person screening sessions will not be able to be sourced by students offsite, and students are required to be present and contribute in person to fulfil participation requirements. Lectures have a strong discussion component. ECHO recordings of lectures are offered as study resources, and are not a replacement for consistent in-person attendance.
1. Develop a specialised knowledge of cinematic history, genre and form. 2. Understand and be able to problematize some of the ways that sex and sexuality have been represented and expressed in American and European cinema. 3. Develop an understanding of how cinema operates as both cultural text and practice. 4. Be familiar with some key works of modern theories of film, representation and sexuality, and be able to apply their concepts to a range of cinematic and cultural texts and practices. 5. Develop skills in visual and critical analysis, and be able to apply them to a variety of cinematic texts. 6. Develop intellectual and academic self-confidence, as well as digital research and communication skills.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Any 15 points at 100 level from CINE or CULT, orany 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
CULT214
CINE101, CINE102, CINE104
Rachel Williamson
Please check the course LEARN page for further details and updates.
Film ListWeek 1: Sex on ScreenIt FollowsMadam SatanWeek 2: Porn Goes MainstreamQueering Cinema and the celluloid closetInside 'Deep Throat'American PieGentlemen Prefer BlondesVelvet GoldmineWeek 3: Cult Film, sexploitationBut I'm a Cheerleader!Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!Week 4: Sex, Violence and PoliticsMaternal SexualityA Promising Young WomanThe Lost DaughterThe Piano TeacherWeek 5: Debates around ObscenityShortbus
Please note that this course requires in-person engagement for students to succeed, and it is not designed to be taken by distance. Many of the twelve films shown in our in-person screening sessions will not be able to be sourced by students offsite, and students are required to be present and contribute in person to fulfil participation requirements. Lectures and workshops have a strong discussion component. ECHO recordings of lectures are offered as study resources, and are not a replacement for consistent in-person attendance.
Domestic fee $799.00
International fee $3,600.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 20 people apply to enrol.
For further information see Humanities .