SAKS013 Film in the USA: Institutions, Genres, Film-makers, Criticism

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. PhDr. Tomáš Pospíšil, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Tomáš Pospíšil, Ph.D.
Contact Person: Tomáš Hanzálek
Supplier department: Department of English and American Studies – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Tue 18:00–19:40 G32, except Tue 14. 11.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 17/20, only registered: 1/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This course aims at familiarizing participants with various elements related to one of the most important spheres of cultural production in the USA: the American feature film. Using a body of representative films as its point of departure, the course is designed not only to enhance students’ interpretive skills, but also to provide them with relevant knowledge concerning the production, distribution, and consumption of films at various stages of American history from World War II to the present. Cutting across a variety of genres, the selected films offer important insights into the development of the American film industry and criticism; at the same time, they invite thinking about a variety of wider contextual issues. In other words, we will not only concentrate on close textual analysis but also consider a variety of social, political, and historical circumstances that the films reflect and result from.
Learning outcomes
Having taken the course, the successful students will:
- gain knowledge of the various relevant elements related to American feature film (institutions, audiences, directors, genres, etc.);
- become familiar with a body of twenty four representative films of various genres;
- become familiar with standard approaches to film interpretation; - gain insights into the multifaceted interplay of film production, distribution, and consumption at various stages of American history from World War II to the present;
- will be able to critically assess the developments of the American film industry and criticism;
- become aware of a variety of relevant contextual issues (historical, cultural, institutional).
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction, Approaching Film
  • 2. Citizen Kane(1941); Casablanca (1942)
  • 3. The Big Sleep (1946); Double Indemnity (1944)
  • 4. Rebel Without a Cause(1955);12 Angry Men (1957)
  • 5. The Searchers (1956); Vertigo (1958)
  • 6. Bonnie and Clyde(1967); Dr. Strangelove(1964)
  • 7. The Godfather (Part I 1972); American Graffiti (1973)
  • 8. All the President’s Men (1976); Jaws(1975)
  • 9. Taxi Driver(1976);Fatal Attraction (1987)
  • 10.Thelma and Louise (1991); Full Metal Jacket(1987)
  • 11.TBA; Lost Highway (1997)
  • 12.Avatar (2009); Arrival (2016)
Literature
    recommended literature
  • ELSAESSER, Thomas and Malte HAGENER. Film theory : an introduction through the senses. First published. New York: Routledge, 2010, viii, 222. ISBN 9780415801003. info
  • Film theory and contemporary Hollywood movies. Edited by Warren Buckland. 1st pub. New York: Routledge, 2009, vi, 355. ISBN 9780203030769. info
  • Going to the movies : Hollywood and the social experience of cinema. Edited by Richard Maltby - Melvyn Stokes - Robert C. Allen. 1st pub. Exeter: University of Exeter Press, 2007, xv, 480. ISBN 9780859898126. info
  • NEALE, Stephen. Genre and Hollywood. 1st pub. London: routledge, 2000, viii, 336. ISBN 9780415026055. info
  • MONACO, James. How to read a film : the world of movies, media, and multimedia : language, history, theory. Edited by David Lindroth. 3rd ed., completely rev. and. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000, 672 s. ISBN 019503869X. info
  • Contemporary Hollywood cinema. Edited by Stephen Neale - Murray Smith. 1st pub. London: Routledge, 1998, xxii, 338. ISBN 0415170095. info
  • Film theory and criticism : introductory readings. Edited by Gerald Mast - Matt Cohen. Third edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 1985, xxi, 852. ISBN 0195035739. info
Teaching methods
The course is based on individual preparation, regular attendance of the seminars, and regular participation in the online discussions. Every week students are expected to watch two feature films and do the assigned reading. Each student is expected to get involved in the online discussion about the respective film (or reading) on the program. The students wishing to successfully complete the course are expected to view all the main items on the viewing list, read all the assigned readings, prepare a presentation (either an online or in-class one) and actively participate in the discussions in class.
Assessment methods
The grade is based on student performance in class (in-class quizzes, presentations, involvement in both in-class and online discussions - 40%) and on the final written exam (60%).
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught once in two years.
Information on course enrolment limitations: Předmět si nemohou zapsat studenti Bc. studia AJ
Teacher's information
http://www.phil.muni.cz/elf
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2020, Autumn 2021.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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