Frames of Mind: Approaches to Film Theory

Introduction to the language of film theory aimed at developing analytic skills to interpret films. Historical survey of classical and contemporary theory beginning with turn-of-the-century scientific motion studies to emotion studies of Hugo Munsterberg, to the virtual movements of our new millennium. Considers Eisenstein\’s theory of montage, cultural history of the cinematic apparatus, and the body of physical existence from Kracauer to gender studies. Different theoretical positions open our understanding of films and guide us in reading them.Note: Offered jointly with VES as VES 181.