ENGL115G: Introduction to Film Studies

This class is an introduction to film—its form, aesthetics, and criticism. We will view a variety of films to see how they function as commercial, entertainment, and artistic artifacts, as well as place them within their historical and cultural contexts. We will discuss how the elements of film production reflect the visions and beliefs of various filmmakers at different times and places. In addition, students will discover how viewers’ responses reflect their own visions and beliefs. By employing key concepts from the history of film production and theory, students will be able to engage in critical discussion of a film’s merits. Finally, this course serves as a gateway for future film studies at the college level.