ENGH 472: Topics in Film/Media Theory

ENGH 472-001: Film and Colonialism
(Fall 2018)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T

Thompson Hall 1017

Section Information for Fall 2018

John Oliver once referred to the British Museum as “a living crime scene,” pointing out the vital link between culture and colonial power. This course explores that connection through global film and visual culture. We will take a close look at movies and other forms of visual culture that deal with colonialism and resistance to it, postcolonial nationalism, and neocolonial domination. The course will consider the global impact of colonialism on ideas of history, geography, and identity as well as the ways that anti/postcolonial nationalisms both challenge and repeat colonial power structures. Central questions will address: the intersection of gender, sexuality, and nationalism; the importance of subversion, laughter, and improvisation for resistance to colonial and neocolonial domination; diaspora and migration; insurgency, national security, and human rights; the political uses of history; the relationship between memory and geography; and the persistence of colonialist ideas in contemporary media.

Screenings include: Jodhaa Akbar, Apocalypse Now, Even the Rain, Zama, Whale Rider, Smoke Signals, Breakfast on Pluto, Xala, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Daughters of the Dust, Timbuktu, and Water.

If you have questions about the course, please feel free to contact me: jscarlat@gmu.edu.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Advanced studies of theories about various aspects of production, distribution, and reception of film-mediated experiences. Topics may include theories of spectator, semiotics, feminist film theory, theories of narrativity, structuralist film theory, or deconstruction. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 372 or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.