Race, Society Cinema

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course takes a chronological look at the depiction of race and ethnicity in the U.S. film industry and its impact on society. The course focuses on 6 races/ethnicities, African American, Arab, Asian, Latino, Native American, and European American (white) and examines the power of storytelling to create a cultural identity. Beginning with the silent era and continuing to the modern day, students view classic as well as little known films and learn the context in which the films were produced, directed, and acted. Using a sociological lens, students will study and discuss the impact of stereotyping, stigma, politics, and market forces.