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Academic Year 2003/2004
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 history 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
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 $45.00, to cover film rentals and projection costs.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lecture
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA ART
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
FILM304 OR FILM310 OR AMST200
SECTION 01
- Instructor(s): Slotkin,Richard S.
- Times: ..T.R.. 01:10PM-04:30PM; Location: CINE
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: UNL)
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Reading Non-Verbal Texts
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-19-2004
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459