Department of English

This course will provide an introduction to some of the most important film
 theory debates, and allow us to explore how writers and filmmakers from
 different countries and historical periods have attempted to make sense of the
 changing phenomenon known as "cinema," to think cinematically.  Topics under
 consideration may include: spectatorship, authorship, the apparatus, sound,
 editing, realism, race, gender and sexuality, stardom, the culture industry,
 the nation and decolonization, what counts as film theory and what counts as
 cinema, and the challenges of considering film theory in a global context,
 including the challenge of working across languages.  There will be no
 screenings for this course.  No knowledge of film theory is presumed.  Course
 requirements: attendance at lecture and participation in lecture and section
 discussions; canvas postings; 1 in-class mideterm; 1 take-home final.