Department of English

This course will introduce students to the aesthetics, subject matter, financing, distribution and exhibition of American independent films in the last half of the Twentieth Century. We will discuss how independent film differs from mainstream Hollywood fare. We will explore films with subject matter that Hollywood is reluctant to address. Among the films we will consider are Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It", Jim Jarmusch's "Stranger than Paradise", Errol Morris' "Thin Blue Line", Michael Moore's "Roger and Me" and the Coen Brothers' "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" Full features will be screened weekly at obligatory screenings. Readings will include texts on American independent film.