Cinema as a Witness to Modern History 40S
Available Classes
Prerequisites
- Prerequisite required: English 10F or Foundations in English
Description
This course considers cinema as a source of information – or misinformation – about the past, and as a springboard for critical reflection about diverse interpretations of history. Students will engage in a variety of learning strategies in this course as they
- Study films from various genres and periods
- Explore the historical and social context in which the films were created
- Deconstruct the techniques used to convey the filmmakers’ messages
- Pose questions about the influence of cinema on their understanding of the past
- Conduct inquiry into major themes in world history
- Develop critical media literacy
- Engage in historical thinking
The course deals with historical developments and themes that have influenced world history since the beginning of the 20th century, including:
- Ideology and revolution
- Power and propaganda
- Imperialism and decolonization
- Social transformation
- War and peace
- Oppression and resistance
- Environmental impact
- Technological change