Course Description
An in-depth analytical survey of one or multiple historically significant film genres.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to read additional essays
from a supplemental reading list. Examinations will consist of
midterm and final take-home essays incorporating those extra
materials. Graduate students are also responsible for making
formal presentations to the class on their own research project,
and they will write a longer final paper. Note: There is
currently no graduate degree in Film Studies; thus, the graduate
students come from a wide range of departments and programs,
often with little training in film.
Athena Title
Genre Cinema
Prerequisite
FILM 2120
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This reading-, viewing-, and research-intensive course examines one of the most enduring and popular movie genres: the horror film. We will seek a specific definition of cinematic horror, exploring typical plots, stylistic aspects, conventions, characters, and representations of monsters. We will consider the genre from a historical perspective, tracking how it has evolved over time and across movements and film industries, and we will investigate certain social and political factors that have influenced horror's development. We will also examine several influential (and competing) theories that attempt to explain horror's emotional and intellectual effects and its seemingly paradoxical appeal. More general goals include: to improve critical thinking, research, and writing skills, and to improve discussion and oral presentation skills. All undergraduates will have the opportunity to teach their peers by giving a formal in-class group presentation on a subject relevant to an assigned week's topic.
Topical Outline
A. Single-Genre Focus I. Genre Overview and Definitions A. Introduction/Genre Studies B. Horror's Historical Pattern C. Art-Horror and Monsters D. Narrative and Style in the Horror Film II. Theories of Horror's Effects A. Horror and Psychoanalytical Theory B. Cognitivism and the Paradox of Horror C. Uncanny Horror and Art-Dread III. Additional Historical and Theoretical Applications A. Horror and Gender: Science, Supernatural, and Insanity Subgenres B. Allegorical Horror and National Trauma C. Horrific Hybrids B. Multiple-Genre Focus I. The Western A. The Classic Western B. Women in the West C. The Spaghetti Western D. Western Postmodernism II. The Horror Film A. Cult Horror B. The Slasher Film C. Horror as Art Cinema D. Genre Hybrids III. Science Fiction A. B-Movies: Science Fiction B. Sci-Fi Modernism C. Postmodern Science Fiction IV. Comedies A. Screwball Comedies B. Sex Comedies C. Romcoms D. Bromance
Syllabus