ENGL 533 (03) - Introduction to Film Studies

Intro to Film Studies

Durham Liberal Arts::English
Credits: 4.0
Class Size: 25 
Term:  Spring 2025 - Full Term (01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025)
CRN:  56409
Grade Mode:  Letter Grading
A survey of the international development of the motion picture from the silent period to the present, emphasizing film's narrative practices. Introduces students to the study of the art, history, technology, economics, and theory of cinema. Films and film makers of various nations, periods, movements, and genres examined.
Equivalent(s):  ENGL 533H, ENGL 533W
Attributes:  Humanities(Disc)
Instructors:  Matthias Konzett

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/21/2025 5/5/2025 TR 5:10pm - 6:30pm HS G34

Additional Course Details:

A survey of the international development of film from the early and silent periods to the present. The course examines films and filmmakers from various nations, periods, movements, and genres, including German Expressionism, Soviet Montage, French New Wave, American Independent Cinema, film noir, documentary, avant-garde, and music video. Special attention will be given to the Classical Hollywood system as well as methods of close formal analysis based on the critical and technical vocabulary of the field. Topics will explore the narrative and ideological practices of cinema and how they establish, revise, and subvert filmic conventions. Other topics include film history, economic/commercial aspects of the film industry, and basic film theory. We will also discuss film as both an artistic and popular medium. No additional screenings outside of class time.