Course Description

This course surveys the history of the cinema as it developed in nations other than the United States. Beginning with the initially dominant film producing nations of Western Europe, which soon found themselves threatened by the economic power of the Hollywood film industry, this course will consider the development of various national cinemas in Europe, Asia, and third world countries. The course will seek to develop an understanding of each individual film both as an expression of a national culture as well as a possible response to international movements in other art forms. Throughout, the course will considerhow various national cinemas sought ways of dealing with the pervasiveness of Hollywood films, developing their own distinctive styles, which could in turn influence American cinema itself.

Grade Distribution

• 3 short essays (5 pages in length): 60%
• Final Exam: 20%
• Attendance: 10%
• Participation: 10%

Required Texts

Xerox packet available from Hi-Tech Copy Center, 375 N. Big Bend Blvd. (Includes all readings marked with an "*" in the Course Schedule.):

• Geoffrey Nowell-Smith. Ed. The Oxford History of World Cinema. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.
• Mette Hjort and Scott MacKenzie. Eds. Cinema & Nation. London: Routledge, 2000.

Course Policies

Late work will not be accepted, except in the case of serious illness, medical emergency, or some other compelling mitigating circumstance. Other coursework, job requirements, or other class projects are not considered mitigating circumstances. The major assignments will be given to you well enough in advance for you 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). Having a heavy workload is not an extraordinary hardship.

You should regard the film screenings as required texts. Films must be viewed on film. Because of differences between film and video in terms of aspect ratio, resolution, contrast ratios, and image composition (grain structure vs. pixels), video is not an acceptable substitute for the primary viewing experience on the big screen. You must write a brief screening report after the screening to receive credit for attendance. All screenings will take place on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM.

Any work that is plagiarized (borrowing someone else's ideas or information without proper citation) will be graded an "F." Further disciplinary action may also be taken.

Readings must be completed prior to class. The amount of reading is heavier some weeks than others, so don't put it off to the last minute.

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