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AMST362
Nationality and Power at the Movies: The Combat Film
AMST362 SP
Crosslistings: FILM316
Next Offered in 9899 SP
Myth is one of the primary constituents of national
identity, and war-stories have been fundamental constituents
of myth at least since THE ILIAD. We will study the combat
film as a major vehicle for national mythology in the USA,
from the Great War through the present, with particular
attention to: the role of media in American culture, the
processes of genreformation in Hollywood, the relationship
of movies to changing ideologies of nationality, ethnicity,
race and state power in this century.
MAJOR READINGS
Slotkin, GUNFIGHTER NATION
Hodgson, AMERICA IN OUR TIME
Basinger, WORLD WAR II COMBAT FILM
Jones, THIN RED LINE
Herr, DISPATCHES
Mauldin, BILL MAULDIN'S ARMY
Plus readings from contemporary magazines; book chapters,
articles xeroxed on reserve.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
A midterm paper on course
films, 8 pp. A final paper, research or critical, 20 pp.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
It is strongly
recommended that students have either AMST201, ARFS303, or
some other film course, and some background in either
American literature or American history. No one will be
admitted after the first class. Anyone who misses more than
three classes will be asked to withdraw, since viewings
cannot be made up. There is a lab fee of $35, payable by
the first or second class.
COURSE FORMAT: Seminar
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level: UG Credit: 1.00
Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA ART
Prerequisites:
AMST200 or FILM303 or AMST201
Last Updated on MAR-03-1998
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