Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the diverse and vibrant world of contemporary French cinema, with a focus on films that feature diverse youth. We will explore the major elements of films, such as cinematography, mise- en-scène, and editing, and how they are used to create meaning. We will also examine how the selected films depict the multi-faceted experiences and challenges faced by young people in present-day France, from their hopes and dreams to their struggles. Some of the films we will discuss and write about include: Athena, Les misérables, Divines, Girlhood, Cuties, Breathe, Close, Sheherazade, and Being 17. This W-course will focus on the writing process and will include a wide range of formal and informal assignments designed to help you develop college-level writing skills. * Please note that many of the films have adult language, themes, and sexual content. If you are unsure about studying this type of material, you may want to consider an alternate course. *The course is part of the Film Studies minor and is taught in English. No prerequisites.

Student Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students should be able to:

  • understand film as a social and cultural text;
  • analyze scripts passages;
  • show an appreciation for the complexities and ambiguities of non-US cinematic and literary texts that challenge our understanding of various contemporary topics;
  • develop greater skills in visual literacy and have a solid understanding of fictional and dramatic elements in film, cinematic points of view, composition and techniques;
  • write about films in a persuasive, scholarly manner using various and interdisciplinary, theoretical frameworks.

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