ENGH 470: RS: Topics in Film/Media History

ENGH 470-001: Irish and Australian Film
(Spring 2015)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W

Planetary Hall 124

Section Information for Spring 2015

ENGH 470 - 001: Irish and Australian Film

Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Colin Farrell. . . Some of the biggest American stars are Irish or Australian, while some of the biggest Irish & Australian stars are Americans with bad accents. Why? This course will begin to answer that question, looking at the strategies of appropriation, genre-bending, parody, and satire at work in how Irish & Australian filmmakers argue with and pay homage to Hollywood cinema and its global dominance. We will also address how films from both countries engage with constructions of gender, sexuality, race, and national history—through melodrama, irreverence, and a surprisingly large amount of glitter. Screenings include: The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, In Bruges, Calvary, The Magdalene Sisters, Gallipoli, Road Warrior (Mad Max 2), The Wind that Shakes the Barley, and Rabbit-Proof Fence.

This is a research and scholarship intensive course, which will give you the chance to work in-depth on a research project with ample feedback from the professor and your classmates. This project may take the form of a long paper, a portfolio of shorter writings, a short film, a photo essay, a video game, or other approved creative work. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me: jscarlat@gmu.edu. There are no pre-requisites for this course.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Advanced studies of development of film language, both as cultural practice and medium for formal innovation. Topics might include studies of national cinemas, historical periods, genres, or individual directors. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Mason Core: Capstone
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive, Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 372 or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.