Politics of Hollywood Cinema 4219-SD0072
The purpose of the course is to examine a selection of both classic and underappreciated examples of Hollywood cinema to discuss its history, development, stylistics, narrative structures, themes and motifs. Movies will be discussed in relation to categories such as gender, class, race, nationality, ability, and sexuality.
The course will discuss examples of genre cinema, including film noir, comedy, horror, and melodrama. Documentary film and its role will also be discussed. Films will be discussed in a historical context, but also in relation to the political, economic and social situation.
As part of the course, students will also be tasked with preparing a group project, based on independently conducted research.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completing this course a student:
1. KNOWLEDGE
• has a knowledge of the history and development of Hollywood cinema
• recognises key motifs, tropes, narrative structures of Hollywood cinema
• is aware of multiple contexts of Hollywood film and its development in relation to class, race, power, gender, ability and other identity and social categories
2. SKILLS
• is able to use critical tools to analyze Hollywood cinema, including genre films
• is able to formulate critical arguments about Hollywood cinema
• is able to use a range of theoretical approaches to individual texts
3. SOCIAL COMPETENCES
• is aware of the impact of film forms and their impact
• is open to new phenomena and ideas in American culture
• understands and appreciates the role of popular culture in the United States
Assessment criteria
Active seminar participation - 20%
Responses - 30%
Group project and presentation - 20%
Final Essay - 30%
Final grade (comprising the above): over 90% – 5; 85-89% – 4+; 75-84% – 4; 70-74% – 3+; 60-69% – 3
Bibliography
Tentative list of films:
The Big Sleep
Psycho
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Blade Runner
Moonlight
Subject
Sample course literature:
Rick Altman, Film/Genre
Toby Miller, The Contemporary Hollywood Reader
Laura Mulvey, Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema
Steave Neale, The Classical Hollywood Reader
Robert Sklar, Movie-Made America
(Please note that this is neither final nor complete list)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: