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FILM307
Western Movies: Myth, Ideology and Genre
FILM307 FA
Crosslistings: AMST235, ENGL239
Fall 96 Availability (Last Updated on Sat Mar 8 05:00:40 EST 1997
)
Section Limit Enrollment Available
01 239 239 0
Western movies form the oldest of American film genres. 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
pre-cinematic 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
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: UG Credit: 1.00
Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA ART
Prerequisites:
None
- Section 01
- Slotkin, R
- Times: .T.T... 1:10PM;
- Grading Mode: A/F
- Registration Preference (1 high to 6 low, 0=Excluded) Sr: 1, Jr: 1, So: 1, Fr: 1
- Major Preference Given
Last Updated on MAR-10-1997
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