Pol as Perf: Screen Gods of In

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

In India, cultural and political domains have overlapped since the colonial period, making separation between the two difficult and unproductive. Purely “cultural” activities, such as for example the celebration of festivals, double as instances of mass mobilization, either against the government or in support of a political party. This course will examine how cinema emerged as an institution that is at the cusp of culture and politics in India. Students will gain insights into: a) The ways in which films depict socio-cultural and religious life in India b) How the cinema itself became a site for group activities which have political implications c) How and why popular film stars evolve into political leaders. A selection of Indian films made in different parts of India between 1918 to the present will be screened as a part of this course. Students will also read a range of critical and scholarly writings by film researchers as well as political and cultural theorists.