Asian History Through Film

Catalog description

This course explores Asian histories through film. We will watch and analyze Asian films for the light they cast on numerous problems of modern life and historical interpretation in selected Asian countries: How have Asians depicted their own histories? How have they dealt with war, revolution, and social and cultural change? What have been the effects of major historical events and transitions on individuals, families, societies, and states? Approaching film as documentation, interpretation, commentary, propaganda, nostalgia, vision for the future, and reflection of social norms and problems, we will also consider films as products of specific historical environments: why did certain movies appear when they did? Through this course, students will gain a visual introduction to Asian cultures and societies, explore their histories, and learn to read films as both interpretations and products of history.