FILM307

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FILM307

Western Movies: Myth, Ideology and Genre FILM307 SP

Crosslistings: AMST235, ENGL239

Section	Class Size	*Available	Times	POI	Prereq
1	200	0	Times: .T.T... 1:10PM-4:00PM;	No	No

*The number of spaces listed as available is based on class seats open for the Blue Add phase of registration. Some seats may be taken in previous phases while others may be held out for subsequent phases of registration. (Last Updated on Tue Aug 10 05:00:21 EDT 1999 )

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
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- 4:00PM;; 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-22-1999

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