GERM 260(S) Coming to Terms with Past and Present in German Film
Post-WWII German Film has gone through fascinating changes. From an escapist indulgence in kitsch and the untouched country side in the 1950s (Deppe et al) to the highly political `Neue Deutsche Film' in the 60s and 70s (Kluge, Fassbinder, Schloendorff et al) and 80s (von Trotta, Wortmann, Doerrie) to today's entertaining films that just cannot refrain from commenting on society and culture (Tykwer, Schmidt, Dresen et al)-German cinema has always been a reflection of sociopolitical events. We will explore causal relationships between developments in German cinema and issues of German history and nationhood. Accompanying this, we will read basic texts on film theory in order to understand fundamental elements of film and film analysis. This will help us to develop a critical perspective on how film functions as an art form. While students are encouraged to attend the screenings of each week's film throughout the semester, they can also find a copy of the film on reserve. This class is taught in English.
Readings in English, available in German on request. All films will be subtitled.
Format: lecture/discussion. Written work: bi-weekly response papers of 500 words, oral presentation, mid term exam, final exam.
No prerequisites. No enrollment limit (expected: 15).
Hour: DIERS