Classics of German Cinema

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This seminar-style course will focus on three themes. First, we will explore classics of early German cinema from the 1920s and 30s and contextualize them with some of the less famous – but equally good – films of the time by directors like Fritz Lang, F. W. Murnau, Robert Wiene, and others. Secondly, we will look at typical examples of directors of the New German Film from the 60s and 70s and how they tried to reshape viewing practices and filmic aesthetics. The third theme will be to discuss contemporary films that explore changes in post-1989 Germany and in Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Weekly viewings of films; some reading of film history and criticism; six short writing assignments (two per theme); final paper.