2007 Handbooks

This unit explores the role of film, photography and art in cross-cultural interpretation and analysis. What role does the visual play in shaping how we see ourselves and others? Are visual technologies and artefacts themselves historically, culturally, aesthetically specific? Why has representing other cultures visually been such an important part of popular culture? Do ethnographic and documentary films accurately portray other cultures? Does art tell the truth? What are the effects of film and photography on our appreciation of other cultures? How are indigenous and other minorities using visual technologies to represent their own identities and interests contemporarily? These and other questions will be explored through two-hour weekly film screenings, in addition to lecture and tutorial program. This course develops themes explored in ANTH276 Culture, Myth and Symbolism and will be of special interest to students of media, cultural studies and creative arts.