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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Joanne Clarke Dillman
TCXIN 481
Tacoma Campus

Film Theory and Aesthetics

Examines 20th century’s major film theorists’ conception of the raw materials, forms, and values and effects of the film medium. Considers how critical theory adds to the understanding and enjoyment of film. Explores how commercial and experimental films exemplify and challenge ideas presented in readings.

Class description

The class will survey the major film theories from the silent era to the present: montage theory, auteur theory, realism, genre theory and postmodern theories of media. It will also survey the shifting aesthetic sensibilities of different times and places: German Expressionism, Italian Neorealism and high modernism, the French New Wave. The course will be "reading intensive."

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

The ideal student will have some background with film or other media classes behind them.

Class assignments and grading


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Joanne Clarke Dillman
Date: 02/23/2007