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Page 1
2011
Friday, 9:10 – 10:50pm, Classroom Numberm 174
Course Description
This course provides us with an opportunity to explore North American culture and identity
through various American films. The objective of the class is to position contemporary
American cinema in its broader historical and cultural contexts. The aim is for students to
develop analysis, critique and understanding of the diversity of societies and culture though
American films.
Incidents will also be reported to the department, where penalties may also be applied.
Check with your instructor if you have questions or concerns.
• Please notify me about any needs or disabilities that should be accommodated
• Film Content Warning: The films shown in this course contain strong language, nudity,
sexual situations, violence, controversial subjects, and complex philosophical ideas that
might be disturbing to you. If any of these attributes will prevent you from viewing,
discussing, or writing about these films, this course is not for you and you should drop it.
Instructional Methods
Methods include screening and analysis of selected films, oral and written presentations, class
discussion, group work, individual projects, research, and selected readings.
Course Competencies
Students will be able to:
1) identify the chief elements of major film genres and understand their importance in American
culture.
2) be aware of the representation of gender, race, ethnicity, class, and ideology on the screen.
3) become active, critical viewers of film.
4) develop and apply their own criteria for judging the artistic merits, entertainment value, and
ethical implications of the movies that they watch.
5) write film reviews, documented essays, or film treatments that demonstrate critical analysis,
research skills, and creative judgment
6) give a collaborative oral presentation on a given film topic that involves sound research,
careful planning, and preparation of appropriate materials
A (90-100) = demonstrates that you have exceeded expectations and have a strong command of
the material
B (80-90) = meets basic expectations and shows a good command of the material.
C (70-80)= indicates some problems or confusion with the material presented.
D (60-70) = shows significant problems grasping or communicating the main ideas of the
material.
F (0-60) = reveals major problems with the main ideas, conceptions, and questions in the course
material.
More details regarding the group project and presentation, midterm and final exams will be
announced. Exams will be cumulative and cover the reading materials, lectures, discussion and
any films shown in class. If you anticipate an event that will make it impossible to submit a
paper or take an exam, it is your responsibility to contact me well in advance.
North American Culture and Identity Through Film
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Films
(Films will not necessarily be shown in this order. Order of the films and schedule of the class
will be submitted separately. This is not a conclusive list of films and more will be added or
removed.)
- Crash
- Babel
- Boyz in the Hood
- The Color Purple
- Waiting for Superman
- Food Inc.
- Saving Private Ryan
- The Patriot
- American Beauty
- The Hangover
- Dogville
- Episodes from the show Friday Night Lights
- The Hurt Locker
- The Social Network
- Traffic