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CINE 401

I. Course Title: Film History I

II. Course Number: CINE 401

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits 

IV. Prerequisites: CINE 310 and THEA 180; or permission of instructor.

V. Course Description: 

A survey of international cinematic history from the 19th century through World War II. The course focuses on key filmmakers, innovations in technology, changes in aesthetic conventions, and how cinema reflects and is affected by various cultural influences. Connections to developments in other screen media, such as television, will also be made. The course involves lectures, film screenings, and discussion/participation.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.  Students are expected to watch films outside of class time.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

The majority of the content of this course will be based on a standard cinema history textbook. To highlight special topics, readings may be drawn from other academic texts and articles. The course will focus primarily on teaching students the development and impact of the cinema from its beginnings through World War II. The course will also comprise of viewing films during lecture as well as outside of class. Screened material may include, but is not limited to, A Trip to the Moon, The Great Train Robbery, Sherlock Jr., The Cabinet of Caligari, The Battleship Potemkin, M, and The Rules of the Game. Films are selected based on at least one of the following criteria: status in the film “canon;” example of innovative technologies and/or aesthetic techniques; reflection or critique of cultural movements; produced outside of Hollywood and/or the United States; includes work by minority groups.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The course will be taught in a hybrid fashion. Students will attend lecture and watch films in class, but they will also be expected to watch materials outside of class in preparation for online and/or in-class discussion. Students will be expected to do the following:

  • Attend lectures/screenings;
  • Watch materials outside of class;
  • Write critical analyses of screen media;
  • Lead online and/or in-class discussion;
  • Complete quizzes; and
  • Take exams.

The preceding list is not meant to be all-inclusive and other activities may be involved.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Throughout the semester, students will gain an understanding of the progression of cinematic history through World War II. Specifically, students will:

  • Understand the cultural, technological, and economic forces that shaped early cinematic history;
  • Be exposed to key primary texts (that is, films); and
  • Develop their own critical analysis skills in examining a film’s relationship to both the film industry and larger cultural events.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Knowledge of the material in this course will be shown through:

  • Quizzes to prepare for or review material covered in lectures;
  • Online or in-person discussions to practice use of concepts/vocabulary and to engage in meaningful analysis of individual examples of screen media;
  • Short critical essays to develop critical thinking skills in regards to screen media genres; and
  • Exams to test retention of concepts and vocabulary and the student’s ability to think critically about screen media.

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021

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