Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

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ART200ZA(芸術学 / Art studies 200)
Film Theory and Analysis

KUKHEE CHOO

Class code etc
Faculty/Graduate school Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies
Attached documents
Year 2023
Class code A6228
Previous Class code
Previous Class title
Term 秋学期授業/Fall
Day/Period 金2/Fri.2
Class Type
Campus 市ヶ谷 / Ichigaya
Classroom name 市外濠‐S601
Grade 2~4
Credit(s) 2
Notes
Open Program
Open Program (Notes)
Global Open Program
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers (Notes)
Class taught by instructors with practical experience
SDGs CP
Urban Design CP
Diversity CP
Learning for the Future CP
Carbon Neutral CP
Chiyoda Campus Consortium
Duplicate Subjects Taken Under Previous Class Title
Category (commenced 2024 onwards)
Category (commenced 2020-2023) 200-level Intermediate Courses(中級)
Category (commenced 2016-2019) 200-level Intermediate Courses
Arts and Literature

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Outline and objectives

Cinema and its study stand at a crossroads. According to those skeptical about the future viability of theatrical exhibition, cinema is nearing the end of its lifecycle as an artform. Enthusiasts retort that we have only just begun to uncover film’s many forgotten histories, hidden archives, and possible futures. Some critics suggest that the very category of “film” has become obsolete; cinema has blended with other audiovisual media such as television, games, and advertisements so as to enclose us, becoming omnipresent within our lived environments. Yet, many continue to watch movies on a regular basis, either in a theater or on any manner of screen. With so many conflicting theories, how might we begin to make sense of the impact of film upon us and our societies?

This course introduces students to the terms and theories they need to know in order to think critically and write analytically about film. Lectures, in-class discussions, and assignments are designed to help students grapple with pressing questions within film studies, and make sense of the films they encounter in their everyday lives. Each week will focus upon a different critical concept within film studies and instruct students on how to apply that topic to individual texts. Along the way, students will familiarize themselves with crucial films, filmmakers, filmic technologies, and filmmaking traditions by studying cinema from various eras, genres, and industries.

Goal

Students will learn many of the key theories, terms, and arguments of film studies; will practice closely viewing, discussing, researching, and writing about films; and will utilize films to think through issues such as class, race, gender, sexuality, disability, the body, and mediality.

Which item of the diploma policy will be obtained by taking this class?

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

Default language used in class

英語 / English

Method(s)(学期の途中で変更になる場合には、別途提示します。 /If the Method(s) is changed, we will announce the details of any changes. )

Classes combine lectures, film clips, discussions, analytical exercises, and student presentations. In addition, students will conduct research projects. As the history of cinema covers approximately 130 years and involves many regions, the list of the films examined in this course is eclectic. Some examples are as follows: Pauvre Pierrot (1892), A Trip to the Moon (1902), Paprika (2006), Shoes (1916), The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), Battleship Potemkin (1925), Daises (1966), Boy and the World (2013), The Battle of Algiers (1966), Enter the Dragon (1973), Black Girl (1966), Rashomon (1950), and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). Written and oral feedback will be provided for assignments.

Active learning in class (Group discussion, Debate.etc.)

あり / Yes

Fieldwork in class

なし / No

Schedule

授業形態/methods of teaching:対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]:Introduction

Overview, objectives, and limitations

2[対面/face to face]:Key Terms

Experiencing and responding to film

3[対面/face to face]:Film Topics 1

Narrative

4[対面/face to face]:Film Topics 2

Mise-en-scène

5[対面/face to face]:Film Topics 3

Editing

6[対面/face to face]:Film Topics 4

Cinematography

7[対面/face to face]:Film Topics 5

Sound

8[対面/face to face]:Film Topics 6

Document

9[対面/face to face]:Approaches to Writing About Film 1

Genre

10[対面/face to face]:Approaches to Writing About Film 2

Auteurs and festivals

11[対面/face to face]:Approaches to Writing About Film 3

National cinema

12[対面/face to face]:Research Workshop 1

Student presentations

13[対面/face to face]:Research Workshop 2

Student presentations

14[対面/face to face]:Summary

Film futures

Work to be done outside of class (preparation, etc.)

Students will view films, take viewing notes, and read essays in preparation for class sessions. Students will conduct research, deliver a presentation, and submit a final paper. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

Textbooks

No textbook will be used. Reading materials will be provided by lecturer in PDF format.

References

Corrigan, Timothy and Patricia White. The Film Experience: An Introduction. Sixth edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2021.
Braudy, Leo and Marshall Cohen, eds. Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings. Seventh edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.

Grading criteria

Assessments of student performance will be based upon preparedness for, and participation in, discussions and exercises (25%), an in-class presentation (25%), and a final paper (50%).

Changes following student comments

Not applicable.

Equipment student needs to prepare

Not applicable.

Others

Do not miss the first class as a selection process may occur.

Prerequisite

None.