Arab Cinema

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

In this course, we will examine Arab and North African cinema as participatory in the fluid category of world cinema. We will study films produced from the 1950s until the present by Arab and North African filmmakers, spanning a geography between Africa and Western Asia. Through a critical study of themes, issues, and political economies pertaining to a selection of films, we will learn about social/political histories, national film industries, independent film movements, transnational film collaborations, and creative imaginaries of individuals whose works capture moments in the trajectory from modernization to globalization that has defined the region from the mid 20th century to now. By the end of the course, students will emerge with a deeper understanding of the history of this regional cinema as a cultural and historical product reflecting a place that is culturally and ideologically diverse. Students will conduct critical readings that correspond with the film clips screened in class and assigned outside of class. Assignments consist of in-class discussions, Short Response Paper, Midterm Essay Exam, and Final Paper or Multimedia Presentation.