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Academic Year 2000/2001
Western Movies: Myth, Ideology and Genre
FILM 307 SP
Western movies form the oldest of American film genre. They have also been the most important modern vehicles for one of the oldest and most significant of American cultural myths--the myth of the frontier. The course
surveys the development of the
Western film genre and sets it in historical and cultural context. In addition to viewing 20 or more feature films, we will study some of the precinematic sources of Western themes and images (novels, paintings). There
will also be readings in the histo
ry of movies, critical and cultural theory, and political history. This course is one of several that may be used to gain entry into further work in film studies. (A mark of B+ or better in any course used to enter the
film major is required.)
MAJOR READINGS
Slotkin, GUNFIGHTER NATION Rowlandson, "Captivity Narrative" Cooper, LAST OF THE MOHICANS Wister, THE VIRGINIAN Schatz, THE GENIUS OF THE SYSTEM Berger, LITTLE BIG MAN Sobchack & Sobchack, AN INTRO. TO FILM
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
There will be a mid-term exam, and a take-home final or assigned essay question.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
Since the substance of the classwork involves film-viewing, students cannot successfully complete the course if they miss more than four showings. Attendance will be taken; students who miss four classes will have their
grades reduced, one level (e.g.,
from B+ to B) for each additional missed class. There is a course fee of $40.00, to cover film rentals and projection costs. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with
the instructor prior to the first
class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lecture
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ART
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
NONE
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-26-2001
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459