Instructor: David Witzling

Satisfies GER-Art Requirement

Still from Charlie Chaplin: Modern Times (1936).

Course Topic
In this class, we’ll examine narrative films that offer a social critique. We’ll use quantitative and qualitative means to assess the critiques put forth by our films. Our inter-textual analysis of these films will seek to situate them within larger traditions in cinema and the arts, and to examine how they relate to specific cultural, historical, and economic issues.  The final project will ask students to use creative means to engage with course themes (though it will not require access to camera equipment).

NOTE FOR GER STUDENTS: The final project is explicitly designed to that it is possible for non-majors to receive a good grade.

Sample Screenings

• George Lucas: THX-1138 (1971)
• Star Trek: selection from original TV series (1967)
• Charlie Chaplin: Modern Times (1936)
• Terry Gilliam: Brazil (1985)

Sample Readings

• Emma Goldman: “The Psychology of Political Violence” (1917)
• Friedrich Hayek: “Planning and the Rule of Law” (1944)
• Kurt Vonnegut: “Harrison Bergeron” (1961)
• Edgar Allen Poem: “The Cask of Amontillado” (1846)

Class Time and Attendance
Class meets twice a week and is a mixture of lectures, screenings, and discussion. Some weeks we’ll watch two films in order to compare them, some weeks we’ll only watch one film but discuss it in depth, and some weeks we’ll be watching one film in two parts, with discussion in between. Because the films screened in class are the class’s primary texts, regular attendance is essential.

Assignments
In addition to attending screenings and participating in discussions, you will be expected to complete various readings and to complete several short written assignments. Written assignments should be 500-750 words.

Grading Components

• Attendance: 10%
• Discussion: 10%
• Quizzes: 5%

• Written Assignments: 25%

• Midterm Presentation: 15%
• Final (w/ written statement):  25%
• Assemblage (first edit final project): 5%
• Critique (of student work in progress): 5%

* You do not need access to camera equipment to complete the final project, although the project will involve motion picture editing. Free editing software like Windows Movie Maker or iMovie will be adequate to complete the FINAL.