Film Theory

4 units · Undergraduate upper division (100-199)

Seminar, three hours. Survey of classical theoretical concepts and movements since the early 20th century, engaging some of the key contributions to studies of the moving image. Examination of imaging and sound capture techniques drawing from science studies, film, philosophy, feminism, and decolonial theory. Discussion of the transformation of film as an art form and the transformation of critical thinking about film and other related media. Focus on the presentation of a variety of films that have inspired critical thought or have challenged the existing knowledge about film. Exploration, through intensive writing, of different forms of college-level writing from close reading of images, sounds, texts, to critical thinking and research papers. P/NP or letter grading.