Department of English

This graduate class analyzes global film practices of the 1960s alongside revolutionary movements, from the 1960 Japanese anti-US-Japan Security Treaty (ANPO) protests to the global insurrections of May 1968 and beyond. Although not meant to be a fully expansive history of global cinema, the course will touch upon a wide variety of global areas, including but not limited to: France, Japan, Czechoslovakia, Argentina, Senegal, the USSR, and Cuba. Readings will derive from both historical texts and works of film criticism. Alongside the course, there will also be required outside-of-class screenings in local venues.

In addition, students will be required to develop their own research interests around the intersection of politics and aesthetics, completing a single research project over the course of the semester. Students are welcome (and encouraged!) to focus on and highlight a cinematic tradition not covered in the class. Students will be expected to deliver an organized presentation on their research topic in the last weeks of class.

This course is open to all submatriculated MA, terminal MA, and Ph.D. students. Advanced undergraduates interested in enrolling should contact the course instructor to request permission and should submit a permit request via Path@Penn.