American Cinema 4219-AW014

The goal of the lecture is the presentation and discussion of the history of American cinema as well as its genres and texts. Some of the issues discussed include:

1. early American cinema
2. silent cinema
3. classical and post-classical Hollywood
4. contemporary cinema
5. selected cinematic genres (western, film noir, science fiction, horror)
6. selected topics in American cinema (censorship; African-American filmmaking in the U.S.; major interpretative approaches)

Type of course

obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

The course presents an overview of the history of American cinema, some representative genres, movies and artists. The participants will explore and examine facts as well as theories of the movies. Part of the course is devoted to interpretation of the most important American films (like The Birth of the Nation, Citizen Kane, etc.). Student should be able to apply the categories used in these class for independent analysis of the movies as social and cultural phenomena.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing this course a student:

1. KNOWLEDGE
• has a knowledge of the history of cinema in the U.S.
• distinguishes periods and gneres in American cinema
• is aware of the differences between various cinematic periods and formations

2. SKILLS
• is able to use critical tools
• is able to formulate critical arguments about American cinema
• is able to use theoretical knowledge in analyses of individual manifestations of contemporary cinema in the U.S.

3. SOCIAL COMPETENCES
• is aware of cultural differences between the U.S. and Europe
• is open to new phenomena and ideas in American cinema
• understands and appreciates the role of cinema in American culture

Assessment criteria

Written test/quiz exam.

Grading:
• over 90% – 5
• 85-89% – 4+
• 80-84% – 4
• 70-79% – 3+
• 60-69% – 3

Bibliography

The principal course handbook:

Richard Barsam & Dave Monahan Looking at Movies - An Introduction to Film (3rd Edition)