Students hone speaking, reading, and writing skills by analyzing and debating films from Latin America that explore gender, immigration, globalization, and the region’s diverse cultures, in addition to creative questions related to humor, satire, and artistic creativity. Given in Spanish.
Athena Title
Latin American Film
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SPAN 4082W
Non-Traditional Format
Course will be offered approximately every other year.
Prerequisite
SPAN 3030 or SPAN 3030E or SPAN 3030H or SPAN(LING) 3050 or SPAN(LING) 3050E
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will analyze films from a range of genres and time periods in depth with a critical approach to cinematography, narrative, editing, performance, sound, and other components of production.
Students will critique films on a theoretical and artistic level both orally and in writing in Spanish, while engaging with key movements in film studies.
Students will develop well-reasoned arguments about the aesthetic and narrative choices made by filmmakers, supported by evidence from the films themselves.
Students will create original analyses that demonstrate thoughtful engagement with cinematic elements and storytelling structures.
Students will evaluate film in cultural and sociohistorical context by connecting factors such as production, censorship, and critical and audience reception.
Students will analyze the ways in which film reflects and shapes human experience, and how personal, regional, national, and other identities interact across global cinematic traditions.
Students will analyze the representation of diverse cultures, identities, and social groups in films and assess their impact on societal perceptions.
Students will examine the ethical implications of storytelling choices in films, including depictions of violence, stereotypes, and marginalized communities.
Students will critically assess the role of the film industry in shaping social values and cultural norms.
Students will reflect on the power of film as a tool for social change and civic engagement.
Students will collaborate in discussions about films with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering respect for differing viewpoints.
Topical Outline
This class will have a mandatory weekly screening of each film
(2 hours per week) and a lecture period (3 hours per week).
Students will write reflective papers analyzing the film watched
that week supporting their arguments with theoretical readings.
A research paper will be required at the end of the semester.
