This course will introduce New Zealand's history, language and culture through some of its films. It will start with colonial N.Z. history with the film "Utu", which is a film about the European-Maori wars in the late 19th Century. Following this grim tale we will skip ahead to "Footrot Flats, A Dogs Tale" which is New Zealand's only full length animated film, and depicts typical NZ farm life. We will then move back to the darker side of NZ film with Peter Jackson's first serious movie, set in 1950's New Zealand, "Heavenly Creatures", about a murder which became famous world wide. "Scarfies" is the next movie we'll be examining, which is about the life of university students in Otago, South Island, and how their obsessions intertwine: flatting, rugby and drugs. If there is time, other movies, such as "Once Were Warriors" and "Whale Rider" will be included. From this course, students will be able to get an idea about the various factors that shape modern New Zealand, as well as familiarizing them with some of its landmark films.
Grading:
Participation and attendance: 20%
Class Homework/Quizzes: 20%
Half and final Tests: 30%
Final Project: 30%
No textbook required for this course.
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