Time Schedule:
Galya Diment
C LIT 397
Seattle Campus
Varying topics relating to film in social contexts. Offered by resident or visiting faculty.
Class description
Cross-listed with Slav 223, the course will examine the contributions of Russian directors, actors, screenwriters, and studio moguls to Hollywood. It will begin with the Silent Era which witnessed many collaborations and migrations, continue through the 1930s-1980s, when exchanges were rare and all too official but Hollywood had plenty to say about how it saw Russia and the Russians, and will go up to the Glasnost and the post-Soviet eras when some of the best Russian directors once again started coming West in search of the friendly studios and generous producers.
Student learning goals
Learning about Russian Culture as it manifests itself abroad
Learning about the shifting presentation of the Soviet Union in Hollywood films
Learning about the history of film, from early years to present and the Russian Jewish moguls who helped the creation of Hollywood.
Learning about the Hollywood effect on both American and Russian cultures
Learning about cultural stereotypes and attempts to break through them
Learning to appreciate silent films and black-and-white films :-)
General method of instruction
Lecture, discussions (twice a week), film screenings (once a week -- on Thursdays, 4:30-6:20). Requirements for attendance for screenings are the same as for regular sessions, unless there is a special arrangement with the instructor.
Recommended preparation
No prior knowledge of Russian language, literature or history is required.
Textbook: Harlow Robinson, Russians in Hollywood, Hollywood's Russians (2007; will be available at the UW Bookstore) plus a course packet (will be available from the UW Copy Center)
Class assignments and grading
Film-viewing, readings, take-home midterm, take-home final.
Class participation (30%); take-home midterm (30%), take-home final (40%)
