COURSE INFORMATION

 

course description | grade distribution | required texts | course policies

Class Time: W 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Screening M 6:00 / Cupples I 115
Room: Ridgley 107
Instructors: Lutz Koepnick
Email: koepnick@wustl.edu
Telephone: 935-4350
Office: Ridgley 328
Office Hours: M 11-12 & F 1-2, and by appointment
   
   

Course Description


The films of Polish director Kryzystof Kieslowski (Dekalog, The Double Life of Veronique, Red, White, Blue), of Danish-born Lars von Trier (Zentropa, Breaking the Waves, The Idiots, Dancer in the Dark, Dogville), and of German filmmaker Tom Tykwer (Winter Sleepers, Run, Lola, Run, The Princess and the Warrior, Heaven) have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of European cinema since the early 1990s. Although their films differ significantly in terms of their style and narrative focus, they all raise intriguing questions about the nature of time and history, the role of chance and identity, and the process of filmmaking itself. Moreover, the work of all three directors urges us to rethink the role of European cinema in an era of international co-productions and transnational orientations. This seminar is designed to explore and compare the work of Kieslowski, von Trier, and Tykwer. It will closely examine their most important films, situate their work in historical and film historical contexts, and discuss their concerns with questions of history, human existence, and cinematic representation.

 

Grade Distribution

Since this course will be conducted in a seminar fashion, discussion and participation will be crucial. Ideally, the final paper will incorporate re-written versions of the first two papers.

  • Participation, attendance, homework: 30%
  • First Paper (2-3 pages): 20%
  • Second Paper (2-3 pages): 20%
  • Final Paper (8-10 pages): 30%


Required Texts


Materials marked "ERES" in the course schedule are availabe from the Electronic Reserve System at Washington University. Login and password to be announced in class.

All other books available for purchase at the Washington University Bookstore:

  • Bordwell, David, and Kristin Thompson. Film Art: An Introduction. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001. ISBN: 0072317256. (Recommended)
  • Insdorf, Annette. Double lives, second chances: The cinema of Krzysztof Kieslowski. New York : Miramax Books, 1999. ISBN: 0786865628.
  • Stevenson, Jack. Lars von Trier. London: British Film Institute, 2002. ISBN: 851709036.

Course Policies

 

The major assignments will be given well enough in advance for you to plan your schedules accordingly. All major assignments must be completed in order to pass this course. "Incomplete" grades and extensions are not available without documented evidence of extraordinary hardships (e.g., medical problems).

You should regard the film screenings as required texts. You must write a brief online screening report within 24 hours after the screening.

Readings must be completed prior to class. The amount of reading is heavier some weeks than others, so please plan accordingly.

All films to be discussed during the semester are available in multiple copies for additional viewing at Olin Library's Audio/Visual Reserve Desk. The tapes and dvds are on 2 hour reserve.



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