FILM 6342HISTORY OF AMERICAN CINEMA

Catalog

A history of global cinema from the development of the motion picture camera through WWII. Relevant events are considered in chronological order, with screenings of representative films from each decade. Topics discussed include the development of motion picture technology, the establishment of film spectatorship as a social practice, the economic growth of the movie industry, and key artistic developments across the globe. In addition to readings, screenings, discussion, and written assignments, this course will engage students in the practice of historiography through both critical interpretation of existing film scholarship and student research projects.