EIU 4192G-099: Film and Contemporary Society Honors

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 2023

This course provides an introduction to the study of film aesthetics, history, and criticism. It introduces an aesthetic vocabulary that students will use to analyze components of film form, such as mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and genre. The course approaches films as texts that indicate cultural attitudes and norms of their time and that can be understood through textual analysis. A number of critical methodologies are introduced to study cinema’s role in American culture, including issues of race, class, and gender. The course seeks to enhance the students’ understanding of film from a historical perspective, contextualizing film within the history of cinema technology and the movie industry.

MC2622 This module focuses on film and cultural theory, introducing the one through the other and vice versa. Cultural theory is introduced, explored and tested by way of film, and films will be interpreted by way of cultural theory. Accordingly, students will develop a good foundation in film and cultural theory, and develop knowledge of key debates in cultural theory, film theory, cultural studies and visual cultural analysis. Weekly readings will be relevant texts in film and cultural theory. Lectures will provide introductions, overviews and explanations. Screenings will primarily be of relatively contemporary English language films (plus some foreign language films), and assessment will take the form of essay plan, presentation and final essay.

Abstract: We can divide the society into two groups, one is the public group which is the general audience who has no right or the authority to make a film, the other group is the special one which is specializing in making the films. Governments however, are the ones and only main authority that can set ground rules for the special group, in order to limit the productions according to their needs, politically, economically, socially and so on. There are many major companies in the world, one of them is Hollywood which is the biggest one and located in the United States of America. Films have two effects on society, positive and negative one, the audience is responsible for both of them and can direct both of them under their own will. Since the government of the country has the main authority to direct the media, we will mention a brief look into my governmental impact which is the Iranian government on the films, which is in a way limited the products because of their strict rules. Films are produced according to many aspects, they are based on the culture of each country, and however, some countries try to influence their society by producing some movies that have some hidden ideas which is called the imperialism.

Office Hours: Mondays 2-3pm; Wednesday 3-4pm; or by appointment Office Phone: 416-208-4827 Course Description: In this course, we will investigate a wide range of topics, themes, theories, and issues having to do with the myriad relationships and connections between anthropology, culture, film and media (including television, the internet, mobile phones and social media). In doing so, we will ask: How do various media represent and shape cultural values within a given society? What is their place in the formation of social relations and social identities? What are their roles in global processes of socioeconomic and cultural change?

University of Toronto Quarterly, 2010

2019

2021

A comprehensive overview of how to study film, this updated third edition provides concise and provocative summaries for approaching the language of film analysis, ways of thinking about film history, and approaches and methods for studying cinema, from national cinemas to genre to stardom and beyond. The new edition tracks the changes in film production and exhibition by situating the study of film within contemporary digital media cultures and structures, such as social media and streaming platforms. Without forsaking its emphasis on the study of film, the third edition updates its examples and provides fresh insight into today's image culture. Film Studies: The Basics provides beginning students in film studies, as well as lifelong film buffs, with the tools to pursue film analysis, film history, and further inquiries into the medium.

Course Description The second part of Movements in World Cinema will expose students to the history of cinema since the early sixties. Paying attention to the evolution of cinematic styles as well as the public reception of films, students will think critically about the evolution of the seventh art as an artistic, socially, politically and philosophically dynamic medium. Students will pay attention to the different regional and artistic idiosyncrasies, viewing a wide range of works by directors from the early sixties to today. Relating cinema to theoretical writings and historical context, students will develop critical analytical skills writing and debating the strengths and weaknesses in the selected works. In addition to film viewings, students will become familiar with some of the key literature in the field of cinema studies. In addition, students will discuss the relevance of cinema in the context of public debate, establishing connections with recurrent issues including moral discourse, anti-imperialism, social conflict, corruption and identity politics. Students will have the opportunity to document their perception of cinema through a semester long journal, gathering their first impressions as well as analysis of the material discussed in class. Learning Outcomes *General command of key cinematic movements and cultural politics connected to the directors and films under study. *Understanding of the interdisciplinary connections between cinema studies, cultural history, politics and philosophy, reflecting on the interaction between cinema and historical contexts. *Rigorous presentation of ideas in written and oral versions, through consistent participation in discussion as well as presentation of the course's journal and paper assignments. *Ability to think beyond the films and readings, raising provocative questions connected to the films' agenda as well as reception by the publics and critics. Grade Breakdown 30% Participation, including attentive and dynamic presence in class, timely submission of assignments and weekly journal reflections and in-class postings on canvas. Four or more unexcused absences will result in automatic failure. Late papers or missed presentations are not acceptable. 30% Oral presentation, discussion and review essay of one of the course's films (from sessions 6-15). Students are encouraged to work in groups of 3-4. Review essays length: 6-8 pp.

2006