Key facts
UNE unit code: FREN206
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
French cinema is one of the most historically and culturally significant national cinemas in the world.
Beginning with the early silent period of the late 19th century, which marks the origins of cinema as it is known today, in this unit you will survey influential movements in French cinema. This will include the experimental films of the Surrealists and the Nouvelle Vague, the stylistic concerns of Cinema du Look, nostalgia in Heritage cinema, attempts to create a ‘national memory’ in Post-colonial films and recent French contributions to Transnational cinema.
Throughout the unit, you will develop a foundational understanding of French film theory and criticism, together with background information on the socio-political context of film production in France.
All prescribed films will be in French (with English subtitles), exposing you to the nature, structures, sounds, and forms of an ever-evolving French language, as well as the development and changes in cinematic styles, language, and visual culture in their social and cultural contexts. The unit will be taught in English and all students with an interest in film are encouraged to enrol, not just those who are majoring in French.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- interpret French-medium films in light of their cultural and historical contexts;
- discuss and evaluate aspects of culture and society as portrayed in differing genres of French-medium film;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the uses of the French language in a variety of regional, social, and historical contexts (French language specialists only);
- critically analyse the narrative devices, techniques and themes of French language films; and
- examine and apply critical interpretations of films with reference to secondary literature.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Essay on the film/s not treated in the oral presentation No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
| Essay | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Oral Presentation | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Oral presentation in English No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
See Note
Text refers to: All offerings
The French Cinema Book
ISBN: 9781844574650
Michael Temple, Michael Witt (editors), Bloomsbury 2nd 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
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