David Davies

Document Type

Syllabi

School

CLA

Department

ANTH

Course Subject

ANTH

Course Number

ANTH

Course Section

3980

Course Title

Topics: Film Culture: Chinese

Academic Term and Year

Spring 2015

Credits

4.00

Hamline Plan Letter

H, S, W

Area of Study

ANTH, CHIN, EAST, GLOB

Course Description

This course will trace the history of Chinese film from the earliest silent films, through China's mid-20th century revolution and late the 20th century post-Mao period, up to the contemporary moment. At the same time we will consider how the technology of film itself enables the projection and performance of new social and cultural imaginings. What can we learn about China though a selection of films produced there? Indeed, what might these films say about being "Chinese" at the specific moments of their creation? This course will address these questions and others. No Chinese language study is required. Goals: This course examines films and film culture as a social and cultural medium for understanding other places and other peoples. Specifically it looks at films as cultural productions that reflect, produce and perform culture in various forms for popular audiences. In this way, we will think about the cultural and social stories that films produce, but also their context as technological media and their reception by viewers. As an anthropology class, primary importance will be on the study of films cross-culturally. Content: Historical, cultural and linguistic contexts will provide the context for conversations about cross-cultural film viewing, film technology and storytelling. This will include a basic introduction to the foundational vocabulary, aesthetics and techniques of film study. ***Weekly film screenings on Tuesday nights will track to regular class content on Thursdays.*** Prerequisite: None. ANTH 1160 and/or CHIN 1110 would be beneficial.

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