Dystopia in Film

Catalog description

The course will focus on a collection of films and novels from the 20th century that depict dystopian society, and provide critiques on contemporary social, political, and cultural issues. Through the analysis of a diverse range of media, students will investigate the defining characteristics of dystopian worlds, including themes of economic disparity, social hierarchy, and authoritarianism. The course will cover various genres and styles, from science-fiction to post-apocalyptic films and literature. Students will critically engage with films to understand how they use dystopian settings to question social issues and envision potential outcomes. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with analytical tools to dissect cinematic storytelling, narrative techniques, and visual aesthetics that bring dystopian worlds to life on screen.