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Introduction to Russian Cinema


Course Description

A survey of the major periods, genres, and directors of the extensive Russian and Soviet cinematographic heritage, with particular attention to the immediate influence of historical, political, and cultural developments. The class is conducted in English and all films will be shown with English subtitles.


Athena Title

INTRO RUSS CINEMA


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

The course will incorporate weekly screenings of films, readings, and regular written assignments. Students will be introduced to the methodology of film analysis, theories of cinema and methods of directing, and the historical, political and cultural influences on cinema in Russia. Students will develop skills in the explication of individual filmic sequences, critical analysis, oral discussion and argumentative and formal writing. There will be a midterm and final exam, and students will also be evaluated on the basis of their written assignments and participation in class discussions. Written assignments will include several short papers and/or a longer final paper.


Topical Outline

Introduction to Film Studies Overview of twentieth-century Russian and Soviet history Pre-Soviet cinematographic experiments Revolutionary spectacle and montage Sergei Eisenstein Vsevolod Pudovkin Lev Kuleshov The "Cinefication" campaign The coming of sound Censorship Socialist Realism Stalinist comedy War films Portraits of Stalin Films of the "Thaw" Andrei Tarkovsky "Bytovoi" [Slice-of-life] films Eldar Ryazanov Underground cinema "Glasnost" films Post-Soviet, commercial cinema


General Education Core

CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture
CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts
CORE V: Social Sciences

Syllabus