ENGL 616D (01) - Studies in Film/Narrative and Style

Stdy in Film/Narrative & Style

Durham   Liberal Arts :: English
Credits: 4.0
Term: Spring 2020 - Full Term (01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Class Size:   25  
CRN: 56502
Advanced, focused study of the narrative, dramatic, and poetic practices of cinema, within one of four possible subject areas: A) Genre; B) Authorship; C) Culture and Ideology; D) Narrative and Style. Precise issues and methods may vary, ranging from general and specific considerations of how a given subject area involves film theory, criticism, and history, to its use in diverse analyses of selected national cinemas, periods, movements, and filmmakers. May be repeated for credit barring duplication of topic. Barring duplication of material taken for credit in CMN 650, course may be repeated for credit. Detailed course descriptions available in the English department office.
Section Comments: Special Topic: Film Noir
Repeat Rule: May be repeated up to unlimited times.
Equivalent(s): AMST 605, ENGL 616
Only listed campus in section: Durham, Manchester
Attributes: Writing Intensive Course
Instructors: STAFF

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/21/2020 5/4/2020 TR 2:10pm - 3:30pm HS G35
Additional Course Details: 

616 D Special Studies in Film, Narrative and Style:  Film Noir and Its Legacy 

This course explores contemporary and classical film noir in the context of style and narrative.  As critics Paul Schrader and David Desser have pointed out, film noir is not simply a genre but rather a style that is highly adaptable and hence can be found in various film genres in international and contemporary cinemas.  As a style, noir foregrounds a culture of corruption and may be seen as a critical social narrative.  At the same time, noir also involves aesthetic play with light, water, images of the femme fatale, violence, and crime as its essential ingredients.  Our course will cover classical examples such as Double Indemnity (1944) and a variety of contemporary examples foregrounding different issues such as race (Jackie Brown, 1997), gender (Body  Heat, 1981; Fight Club 1999), community, class and social corruption(Chinatown 1974; In Bruges, 2008), corporate/media culture (Point Blank, 1967; Nightcrawler 2014) nationhood and borders (Touch of Evil, 1958; Sicario, 2015; No Country for Old Men, 2007) and contemporary nihilism and dark comedy (The Big Lebowski, 1998; Sin City, 2005).