French Cinema: The Birth of the Seventh Art

Catalog description

In 1895, when Auguste and Louis Lumière held their first private film screening in Paris, they could not have foreseen the pervasive role that cinema would one day play in our homes and our hearts. This introduction to French cinema traces the seventh art from its inception to the present day, focusing on pioneers of French cinema, surrealist film, the influential New Wave movement, and contemporary filmmakers. In addition to the films that you will watch in and out of class, you will explore a variety of theoretical approaches to cinema and develop skills in film analysis through readings and class discussions. Films will be screened in French with English subtitles. Coursework will include several short writing assignments and film analysis projects. Prerequisite: None. Fulfillment: Humanities Advanced course (18-19: topic).