Course Catalog

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Course Catalog

ARAB AND AFRICAN CINEMA (FM3076)

How does cinema in the Arab world and Africa raise important questions about culture, politics and meaning? In this course, we'll explore major developments in the art and industry of cinema in the Arab World and Africa, ranging from the earliest cinema to the most recent contemporary films. We will explore emerging national cinemas and the interactions of Arab and African filmmakers with cinematic movements arising around the world. In exploring the work of a range of important filmmakers, we will think critically about ways in which filmic narratives and forms contribute to the understanding of the cultures and history and advance the art form.

IBERIAN & LATIN AMERICAN CINEMA (FM3078)

Offers an overview of the 'Iberian and Latin American New Wave': a group of national cinemas exploring contemporary societies of Latin America and the Iberian peninsula. Assesses how films problematize political and cultural issues such as dictatorial pasts, post-modern capitalist democracy, negotiating gender, sexual and racial identities in phallocentric post-colonial societies. The course is structured around screenings and class lectures/seminars.

BRECHT & FILM (FM3080)

We examine Brecht's application of his theories and plays to his work in German and Hollywood cinema. We consider his collaborations with Fritz Lang, Charles Laughton, G.W. Pabst, Lotte Eisner and others. We also analyze his influence on later filmmakers such as Jean-Luc Godard, Hans Jurgen Syberberg and R.W. Fassbinder and his contributions to film theory.

PROVOCATIVE WITNESS: CINEMA & GENOCIDE (FM3085)

This class explores what it means to be a witness or a spectator to unimaginable crimes, using fiction films, documentaries and witness testimonies to explore the Shoah and the Armenian, Cambodian and Rwandan genocides. We ask: what does film make visible, and how does it transform the spectator’s relationship to the events and to the taking action?
Place in the Film major: To be included as an option in the film major within both the Genres and Topics category as well as the International Cinema Category

FRENCH CINEMA: LA NOUVELLE VAGUE (FM3086)

Shows the evolution of modern French culture in its relationship to cinema. Examines the early influence of literature and theater on cinema and its subsequent detachment, to be recognized as an art in itself with its own particular form. Emphasizes the viewing and discussing of one film each week: two class meetings plus one film per week. One or two off campus visits organized per semester.Taught in French.

PARIS CINEMA (FM3087)

Studies the numerous facets, whether real or imaginary, of the close relationship between Paris and cinema. Analyzes films made by famous directors such as Clair, Carne, Godard, Malle, Rohmer, Polanski, Collard, Kassovitz, and others. Taught in French, essays and exams can be written/ taken in English.

CINEMA AND THE CITY (FM3088)

Examines the intricate relationship between cities and cinema in specific as well as global contexts. Paris, New York, Mexico, Dakar, Cairo, Mumbai, Moscow, Shanghai or Tokyo: how are these sophisticated urban centers portrayed in films? And in turn how is cinema shaped by the rich and multifaceted experiences offered by these metropoles? No prerequisite.

TOPICS IN FILM STUDIES (FM3091)

Courses will be developed from time to time which examine various aspects of film studies, focusing on different problems, phenomena, practices and personalities. These are taught by permanent or visiting faculty, and will be generally specific to their specialization.

JUNIOR SEMINAR (FM3096)

Involves a particularly focused look at an important aspect of film theory or history, a filmmaker, actor or actress, or a cinematic topic or genre. Subjects will vary according to the particular interest of the professor, with the course work aiming at developing methodical and critical skills of analysis.

INTERNSHIP (FM3098)

Internships may be taken for 1 or 4 credits. Students may do more than one internship, but internship credit cannot cumulatively total more than 4 credits.