Readings:

Jacques Aumont et al., Esthétique du film, 3e édition (Armand Colin); Jean-Pierre Jeancolas, Histoire du cinéma français, 2e édition (Armand Colin)

Course Description:

This class explores the rich history of French cinema in terms of larger issues in French culture, society, and politics. We will examine some of the major movements in French film style from poetic realism to the Nouvelle Vague. We will also read works of French film theory, which ask how film is a distinctive medium of expression and can take up issues of gender, class, and race. In addition to considerations of film history and theory, this class provides an introduction to the study of the moving image. We will learn how to analyze a film closely through examining how image, sound, editing work together to produce meaning.

Prerequisites: 

French 102 or consent of instructor. Film Studies students should consult the instructor about French language preparation and prerequisites.

Additional information: 

Weekly film screening (required): Tuesdays, 4- 6 pm. Satisfies one “Culture” or one “Elective” course requirement in the French Major.   Satisfies College of Letters and Science breadth in Arts and Literature or International Studies.  Priority enrollment for declared French majors.

Section times and locations in the Schedule of Classes