Faculty First Year Seminars 191THE8 - FILM & SOCIAL CHANGE: A GLOBAL
Fall
2019
01
1.00
Megan Lewis
TU 2:30PM 3:20PM
UMass Amherst
36005
Herter Hall room 212
meganlewis@theater.umass.edu
This course is designed to introduce students to the ways in which the medium of film
participates in efforts towards social change across the global landscape. You will gain an
understanding of the relationship between artistic expression, culturally-specific context,
societal impact, and political efficacy in films addressing social change. We will look at the documentary film as a form of "intelligence work" (Kahana) in culture and a "social
imaginary" (Taylor) that helps us "envision the collective consequences of our thoughts and actions (Kahana 1). We will watch and analyze films from Egypt, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, South Africa, China, and the USA.
participates in efforts towards social change across the global landscape. You will gain an
understanding of the relationship between artistic expression, culturally-specific context,
societal impact, and political efficacy in films addressing social change. We will look at the documentary film as a form of "intelligence work" (Kahana) in culture and a "social
imaginary" (Taylor) that helps us "envision the collective consequences of our thoughts and actions (Kahana 1). We will watch and analyze films from Egypt, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, South Africa, China, and the USA.
Freshmen Only