Course Title: Critique cultural works
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: OART5005C
Course Title: Critique cultural works
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6160 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Course Contact: Penny Johnson
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Dan Nixon
E: dan.nixon@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
In this course you will develop the craft skills and knowledge required to analyse, assess and offer verbal or written critiques of television drama. This will enable you to understand current trends in the television marketplace and to review contemporary screen productions for performance media. This course addresses the following unit of competency: CUARES502 Critique cultural works
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUARES502 Critique cultural works |
Element: |
1. Prepare to critique cultural works |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Confirm type of cultural works to be appraised in consultation with relevant personnel 1.2 Identify requirements and constraints that may influence critiques and plan accordingly 1.3 Discuss plans or preliminary ideas with relevant personnel as required 1.4 Identify and explore relevant sources of information on cultural works with respect for cultural protocols 1.5 Use formal and informal research techniques to access information 1.6 Organise research materials and findings for current and future use, with awareness of intellectual property considerations |
Element: |
2. Link research to cultural works |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Critically evaluate works and related information 2.2 Assess ways in which different influences are applied, adapted or challenged within cultural works 2.3 Develop substantiated positions to inform critical analysis of works 2.4 Discuss research findings with others and consider modifying opinions to integrate other perspectives
|
Element: |
3. Present critiques |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Produce written or spoken texts on cultural works to meet organisational or publishing requirements 3.2 Take into account information about audience and purpose of critiques 3.3 Apply relevant cultural standards and conventions to critiques of cultural works 3.4 Present critiques in negotiated format and timeline 3.5 Seek feedback on quality of critiques from relevant personnel and note areas for future improvement |
Element: |
4. Maintain knowledge of trends related to domain of cultural works |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Identify and use opportunities to update and expand knowledge of influences on cultural works 4.2 Incorporate knowledge into cultural analysis and reporting |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be equipped with the skills to analyse, assess and critique television drama.
Details of Learning Activities
In class: Workshops, close script readings, class exercises, industry speakers, group discussion and presentation.
Out of class: Independent project work, writing and reading assignments, independent study.
Teaching Schedule
Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
WEEK |
|
CLASS CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
|
Week 1
|
Feb 13 |
Introduction and overview Course guide and dates for assessments Television from a writers perspective Television from a viewers perspective
|
|
|
Week 2
|
Feb 20 |
The current state of things Engaging with television shows in a way that is is deliberate, critical, and reflective. Show of the week: A Moody Christmas Homework viewing: The Bodyguard (pilot on Netflix) |
|
|
Week 3
|
Feb 27 |
The Bodyguard - discussion What makes or breaks a television show Personal bias, preference, and taste Elements of a good TV show Elements of story - broad overview Introduction to reviewing television - guest reviewer Show of the week: Detectorists Homework viewing: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix) |
|
|
Week 4
|
Mar 5 |
Narrative Identity Formation - engaging with screen stories on a personal level. Themes - a deeper look Conflict - a deeper look Character - a deeper look Show of the week: Last Man on Earth Homework viewing: Abandoned |
|
|
Week 5
|
Mar 12 |
Abandoned - discussion Show of the week: Bojack Horseman Script case study Exploring cultural relevance and global stories Frameworks for critique: Framework 1 Homework viewing: Glitch (pilot) |
Assessment Task 1 due |
|
Week 6
|
Mar 19 |
Focus on Australia - part 1 Glitch - discussion Why are Australian stories important? What is our cultural voice? Show of the week 1: The Family Law Australian producers and broadcasters - what do they want and what are they buying. Show of the week 2: No Activity Local stories, global appeal Homework viewing: Round the Twist, plus something new |
|
|
Week 7
|
Mar 26 |
Focus on Australia - part 2 (possible excursion to the ACTF - TBC) Round the Twist - discussion Authenticity: sense of place, connection to country Society critiquing television, and television critiquing society Show of the week 1: Bluey Show of the week 2: Homecoming Queens Show of the week 3: The Deep Homework viewing - The People vs OJ Simpson (pilot - Netflix) |
|
|
Week 8
|
Apr 2 |
The People vs OJ Simpson - discussion Tensions in critique - entertainment vs education, art vs commerce, craft vs quality Researching for writers Script reading - GLOW Show of the week: Glow Homework viewing - Unforgotten (pilot - Netflix) |
|
|
|
Mid-semester break: Monday 6 April to Monday 13 April inclusive |
|
|
Week 9
|
Apr 16 |
Unforgotten - discussion Promises and pay-offs Critiquing "art" and finding the layers: describe, analyze, interpret, judge Bach (the art of) Assessment Task 2 - Pilot episode presentations Homework viewing - Gavin and Stacey (Netflix and Stan) |
Assessment Task 2 due |
|
Week 10
|
Apr 23 |
Show of the week: Happy Valley The Sublime Holiday homework viewing: It's up to you! Over the next week it's all about the sublime and revisiting something that resonates with you on a personal level. Dive deep. Enjoy. |
|
|
Week 11
|
Apr 30 |
Discussion on favourite and revisited shows. The good, the bad and the ugly. Looking at television shows that leave a lasting impression. Show of the week: Buffy Focus on the writer's vision Homework viewing: Orphan Black (pilot Netflix) |
|
|
Week 12
|
May 7 |
Discussion - Orphan Black Balancing the light and the dark Identifying aesthetically pleasing tone Reacting and responding to confronting content Show of the week: The Killing Homework viewing: Utopia (ABC iview) |
|
|
Week 13
|
May 14 |
Discussion - Utopia Finding meaning in the everyday Getting to the heart Show of the week: Lovesick The artist and their story Homework viewing: TBC |
|
|
Week 14
|
May 21 |
Panel discussions. Final critique - New show review. Putting our critiquing skills to use. Wrap up. |
Assessment Task 3 |
|
Week 15
|
May 28 |
No scheduled class
|
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
None |
References
Resources available on Canvas |
Other Resources
You require access to a computer and to the internet for this course.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include participation in class exercises, oral presentations and practical writing tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as competent in this course you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.
Assessment 1. New season review
Write a 500–700 word review on a recent narrative television series.
Due: Week 5 (Thursday 12 March)
Assessment 2. In-class presentations and critique of a pilot episode
Choose an episode of a television series that you believe constitutes a strong example of a pilot episode. Prepare a 5-minute presentation and an accompanying written critique in which you outline the journey you as a viewer have taken throughout the episode (a short episode summary). You must address set questions detailing how the episode succeeds or falls short.
Due: Week 9 (Thursday 16 April)
Assessment 3. Panel discussion on an Australian television series
In groups of 4–5, you will critically examine an Australian television series and prepare for a 20-minute panel discussion, which includes one moderator and guests.
Due: Week 14 (Thursday 23 May)
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based assessments are: CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did not Submit Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview