Time Schedule:
Alka Kurian
B CUSP 131
Bothell Campus
Various topics designed to respond to curricular interests and needs for first-year students. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
This course offers a close examination of classical film theory and performs an analysis of the film from, its social function and its overall effect. It will investigate a range of film theorists, the various schools of thought on film, and the ways in which film theory and practice are interconnected. Students will be introduced to the basic elements of film language and key theoretical and critical approaches to understanding film. We will explore five key aspects of film construction: storytelling, editing, cinematography, mise-en-scene, and sound. Students will learn the meaning and language of film and its role in societies, and investigate the following questions: how does film differ from other forms of art, who are the people behind the camera, do films reproduce or transform reality, how does the audience respond to and is affected by films, and do notions of race, gender, and sexual orientation have any bearing on film and its audience? Over the course of the term, students will read a number of scholarly and theoretical texts and watch a range of films selected from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and the US, as examples.
Student learning goals
Demonstrate knowledge of the basic terminology of film language and theory.
Make a connection between film theory and practice.
Demonstrate their knowledge of the development of cinemas across the world.
Discuss individually and in groups, their personal reflections on films based on the above knowledge.
Demonstrate their skills in critical thinking, effective communication through writing and speaking, and collaborative work.
General method of instruction
Lectures, seminars, student-led discussions, film screenings
Recommended preparation
None
Class assignments and grading
Quizzes (30%) Midterm paper (30%) Group Presentation (30%) Class Preparation and Participation (10%)
