Fall, Spring
This course introduces students to the history and theory of the cinema, from its earliest expression in the nickelodeons of the big cities to the present day's 3-D IMAX theaters. The course explores a diverse body of work, ranging over genres (for example, horror, sci-fi, the Western), and national cinemas (for example, German expressionism, Italian neorealism, or French new wave). By learning to identify and analyze film form and style, students become familiar with production techniques and various theories of film language, as well as cinema's powerful influence on other visual media. Screenings will be combined with readings from a wide variety of perspectives, including those of critics, filmmakers, and historians.