Haiti Through Film

Catalog description

Haiti fascinates as much as it perplexes. Stunning the society at the time with its successful slave revolt to become the first black Republic in the New World in 1804, Haiti is now viewed as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere riddled with political instability, social injustices, and underdevelopment. Yet it boasts a diverse and dynamic cultural heritage expressed through various artistic media. This course introduces students to major events and conflicts (Haitian Revolution, dictatorships in the 20 th century, US interventions, and the 2010 earthquake) that have shaped Haitian history, politics, society, and culture, and analyzes them for the ways in which they contribute to the creation of Haitian cinematic traditions. Filmmakers include Noland Walker, Raoul Peck, Jonathan Demme, Arnold Antonin, and Maya Deren. Coursework will be done in French. All films will be subtitled in English. Satisfies French and Francophone Studies major and minor requirement. Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement. Satisfies Justice, Equality and Community requirement. Prerequisites & Notes This course is open to students who have completed FRE 201 or its equivalent.