Race, Identity and Film

Catalog description

Three lecture. This course explores cinematic representations of people of color and race relations in the United States from an interdisciplinary perspective. A range of topics will be explored including the depictions of people of color in stereotypical ways, challenges to conventional stereotypes, and the construction of race and identity issues. Students will be able to: explain the historical foundations of film, representation, and contributions of marginalized communities; examine the different theories of race and ethnic relations; critically analyze the social construction of race in the United States and how it impacts cinema; compare and contrast the histories and experiences of people of color (e.g., African Americans, Asian Americans, Chican@ /Latin@, and Indigenous peoples) in the United States; explain the historical and cultural contexts in which race and identity issues are represented; describe the elements of film form, and how certain sectors in society were /are portrayed ; critically analyze various archetypes and stereotypes and their challenges. compare and contrast the cinematic depictions of people of color and white ethnic groups; explore the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality in film. General Education: Arts and Humanities Special Requirement(s): Ethnic, Race, and Gender Awareness