Unit rationale, description and aim
Historians need to engage with films or television series set in the past because they are a major way in which individuals and publics develop their knowledge of history. Dramatic recreations of the past on screen are also frequently the subject of controversy or criticism. Using a range of historical films or series as case studies, this unit allows students to engage with these controversies. The unit will explore the fact that professional historians are often profoundly troubled by historical dramas on screen, arguing that they play fast and loose with the 'facts' - and yet in some cases such screen dramas act as a rich and legitimate form of historical knowledge and discourse. The unit will also use its case studies to investigate the way that the concerns of the present continually reshape tellings of the past.
The aim of this unit is to equip students to critically engage with dramatic recreations of the past on screen as forms of historical knowledge and debate, and to reflect on the fact that understandings of the past are always involved in a dialogue with the present.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Discuss broad and deep theoretical and factual kno...
Learning Outcome 01
Explain ideas and concepts to a specified audience...
Learning Outcome 02
Locate, evaluate and appropriately reference a var...
Learning Outcome 03
Synthesise scholarship and critically analyse the ...
Learning Outcome 04
Interpret and reflect on key ethical and historica...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Content in this unit is designed to assist students to critically engage with dramatic recreations of the past on screen, and in the process to reflect on wider questions about the relationship between history and the present and the very nature of historical ‘truth’. The unit will do this by using a number of case studies to explore:
- why many professional historians are troubled by dramatic recreations of the past on screen;
- the conditions in which historical films or television series are able to act as a legitimate source of historical knowledge and debate; and
- the way that present concerns continually reshape tellings of the past.
The further themes and issues covered by the unit (as relevant to the selected case studies) may include:
- historical film and narratives of nationhood
- historical film and gender
- historical film and race
- historical film and popular memory
- historical film and the representation of violence and trauma
- historical film and representations of world Indigenous peoples
- historical film and human rights
- historical film and empire.
Assessment strategy and rationale
In the history discipline, third year units are designed to include a selection of the following assessment tasks:
- Independent research tasks that require students to devise their own topic
- Locate and use primary and secondary sources
- Draw together historical techniques used in earlier units such as digital search techniques for online archives and/or digital newspaper databases or ‘hands on’ historical methods such as oral history, using material objects etc.
- Explore links between the present and the past/future (e.g. through ‘community engaged history’ and/or major historiographical debates)
- In-class debates
- Forums/blogs/online discussion or other mixed media options
- Short answer responses/reading journals/critical reflections
- Short quizzes/in-class tests
- Team assignments/student-led classes
Students in this unit will be encouraged to (a) develop independent skills in locating, reading and analysing sources; (b) consider different approaches to the past and the dynamics of historical and historiographical debate; and (c) employ active research techniques into their own research and analysis.
The Knowledge Development task requires students to apply comprehension and critical analysis skills to course materials in order to develop foundational knowledge for other assessments. The Research Task requires students to demonstrate independent research skills, including locating and analysing a range of primary and secondary sources, presented as an evidence-based historical narrative or argument. The Reflective and Analytical Task requires students to reflect on ethical as well as historical debates explored during the unit and apply this to case studies of films / television series or documentaries in which the past is represented on screen.
Overview of assessments
Knowledge Development Task The purpose of this ...
Knowledge Development Task
The purpose of this task is for students to develop critical reading and listening comprehension skills, and to apply knowledge of the historical context to debates about the relationship between historical understanding and representations of the past on screen.
30%
Research Task This is an independent research t...
Research Task
This is an independent research task designed for students to synthesise high-quality scholarship and engage in significant historical debates while critically analysing the way the past is represented on screen.
40%
Analytical and Reflective Task This purpose of...
Analytical and Reflective Task
This purpose of this assignment is for students to analyse and reflect on ethical and historical issues relating to the representation of the past on screen.
30%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This 10 credit-point unit is delivered using active, inquiry-based learning. Students will engage in discussion of filmic case studies and critically examine the debates, concepts and events related to these case studies.
Students will be asked to develop specific skills in primary and secondary source analysis and to demonstrate an understanding of the key historical debates surrounding historical film. They will be expected to locate, analyse and communicate their research findings on the relationship between historical film and the discipline of history.
This unit has been designed to ensure that the time needed to complete the required volume of learning to the requisite standard is approximately 150 hours in total across the teaching period. To achieve a passing standard in this unit, students will find it helpful to engage in the full range of learning activities and assessments utilised in this unit, as described in the learning and teaching strategy and the assessment strategy. The learning and teaching and assessment strategies include a range of approaches to support your learning such as lectures, tutorials, reading, reflection, discussion, film screenings, skills workshops, private study and assignments etc.
The unit is hosted on a Learning Management System (LMS) site with resources and online links, announcements, and a discussion board to post questions and reflections that promote connection between content and educational experiences.
Mode of delivery: This unit may be offered in different modes, as described below.
On Campus
Most learning activities or classes are delivered at a scheduled time, on campus, to enable in-person interactions. Activities will appear in a student’s timetable.
Multi-mode
Learning activities are delivered through a planned mix of online and in-person classes, which may include full-day sessions, to enable interaction. Activities that require attendance will appear in a student’s timetable.
Online unscheduled
Learning activities are accessible anytime, anywhere. These units are normally delivered fully online and will not appear in a student’s timetable.
Online scheduled
All learning activities are held online, at scheduled times, and will require some attendance to enable online interaction. Activities will appear in a student’s timetable.
ACU Online
In ACU Online mode, this unit is delivered asynchronously, fully online using an active, guided learning approach. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress