Course Code
Academic Year
The Film Survey course explores the history and art of cinema from its beginnings in the late 1800s to the present day. Based on weekly screenings, students discuss and write about: the pioneering work of Lumiere and Melies; the four traditions of film: fictional, documentary, experimental and animated; film genres from western to musical to comedy; the language and grammar of film; and the elements of directorial style, including the thematic and symbolic features of film. Cinematic samples from American, European and Asian filmmakers form the basis for this survey. The course format consists of large group (LG) film screenings, medium group (MG) class sessions, film journals and presentations, discussions, and in-class recall and reflective writing.