Wikipedia:United States Education Program/Courses/Film Theory in the Age of New Media (Melissa Goldman)/Course description

Course description
This course will provide an overview of a century of film theory. Our goal is twofold. First: to understand and make sense of the theory, which we will accomplish via very close readings of the written texts in conjunction with relevant film analysis.

Together, we will be critical readers, in dialogue with the theory. Second: to consider the significance of film theory in today’s culture dominated by the interactive screens of new media. We will examine ways in which certain film theories are more applicable or less so in today's cinematic experience. In addition, we will be watching films to help us further elucidate the theoretical concepts and to see how (and if) theory can be turned into practice.

Film theory addresses issues that have roots in philosophy, aesthetics, literary theory and social commentary. Each of the texts is chosen to challenge and expand our understanding of the specifically cinematic medium, asking questions like: How does cinema generate meaning? How does it work on us? What type of subject does it construct? Needless to say, we will not arrive at conclusive answers to any of these questions. Rather, the questions raised by the texts will challenge and enhance our understanding of the complexity that is cinema.

Certain topics will map our work, topics that remain critical for the engagement of new media today. They include pleasure (the pleasure of watching movies), genre (the excessive repetition of formulaic categories), and mimesis (realist representation and the connection between spectator and spectacle).

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