Women Directors
Readings/Films:
See Description. Alongside a weekly film screening, we will read works of literature, film theory, and feminist theory.
Course Description:
The history of cinema is usually narrated as a history of Great Men — from the Lumière brothers to Jean-Luc Godard to Quentin Tarantino. But some of the most original and enduring works of French-language cinema have been authored by women. In this course, we will study films from various times and locations by Germaine Dulac, Agnès Varda, Claire Denis, Chantal Akerman, Marguerite Duras, Catherine Breillat, Céline Sciamma, Faiza Ambah, and others, examining their distinctive contributions to the aesthetics and politics of cinema. These films offer a point of entry to a range of topics of contemporary interest — including gender relations, the family, sexuality, historical memory, colonialism, and religion — and span genres from experimental, to documentary, to narrative fiction. Alongside these topics, we will ask: in a collaborative medium like the cinema, what is an author? Is the so-called politique des auteurs (“auteur theory”) that has come to dominate accounts of French film history inherently masculinist? Is “women’s cinema” a coherent category, or do differences of gender and sexuality, as well as race, religion and culture present a challenge to even its strategic mobilization? Alongside a weekly film screening, we will read works of literature, film theory, and feminist theory. Taught in French, though non-French majors may be able to submit written work in English (consult with instructor).
Prerequisites:
French 102 or equivalent; French 170 or equivalent is recommended, or consent of instructor. Taught in French, though non-French majors may be able to submit written work in English (consult with instructor). Film studies students should consult with instructor about language prerequisites
Additional Information:
This course satisfies 1 “Culture” or 1 “Elective” course requirement in the French major. This course also satisfies College of Letters and Science breadth in Arts and Literature. Priority enrollment for declared French majors.
weekly screening: Thursdays, 5-7, 188 Dwinelle