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Academic Year 2000/2001

The New German Cinema
GERM 253 SP
Crosslistings:
FILM 320
GELT 253

This course will investigate the aesthetics, politics, and cultural context of the new German cinema. Having established a critical vocabulary, we will study the influence of Brecht's theoretical writings on theater and film; ambivalent positions vis-a-vis the classic Hollywood cinema; issues of feminist filmmaking and the thematic preoccupations peculiar to Germany, for example, left-wing terrorism and the Nazi past. Attendant materials will include literary sources, screenplays, and interviews.

MAJOR READINGS

Films by: Fassbinder, Herzog, Alexander Kluge, Helke Sander, Schloendorff, Margarethe von Trotta, and Wim Wenders.
Literature: Rainer Werner Fassbinder, THE ANARCHY OF THE IMAGINATION, THE MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN (Screenplay); Brecht, WRITINGS ON ART AND THE THEATER
Secondary Sources: James Monaco, HOW TO READ A FILM; Anton Kaes, FROM HITLER TO HEIMAT

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Four short essays (3-5 pages), midterm exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

One screening per week on Tuesdays. On Thursdays the class will be divided into two discussion sections. Students with knowledge of German or background in film or literary studies are especially welcome. N.B.: The reading load will be heavy. Course fee: $40.

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/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA GERM    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001

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