Film Studies 351 - SEM:FILM THEORY

This upper-level seminar explores central currents in film theory. Among the ideas, movements and concepts we examine are formalist, realist, structuralist, psychoanalytic, feminist, and poststructuralist theories, as well as auteur, genre, queer and cultural studies approaches to questions regarding the nature, function and possibilities of cinema. We also consider how new media and new media theories relate to our experience in film and film theory. We understand film theory readings through the sociocultural context in which they were and are developed. We also are particularly attentive to the history of film theory: how theories exist in conversation with each other, as well as how other intellectual and cultural theories influence the development, nature and mission of theories of the moving image. We emphasize written texts (Bazin, Eisenstein, Kracauer, Vertov, Metz, Mulvey, DeLauretis, Doty, Hall, Cahiers du Cinema, the Dogme Collective, Manovich, etc.), but also look at instantiations of film theory that are themselves acts of cinema (Man with a Movie Camera, Rock Hudson's Home Movies, The Meeting of Two Queens). The course is designed as an advanced introduction and assumes no exposure to film theory. Fulfills the film theory requirement for the major and minor. Enrollment limited to 12. Prerequisite: FLS 150 or the equivalent. Priority given to Smith College film studies minors and Five College film studies majors. Priority given to seniors, then juniors.

Instructor permission. Not open to first-years, sophomores