The Moving Image: Film and Visual Representation

NOTE: The first meeting for this course is on Thursday, Sept.13th, 10:00-11:30 a.m., in Carpenter Center Room B-04.A survey aimed at developing visual literacy, this introduction to film history looks at major 20th century ideas on art and perception. We examine the invention of film in relation to significant cultural changes in our experience of visual space, and follow the evolution of film as a technique of spatio-visual observation. Addressing socio-sexual space, we see the moving image as product of the age of industrialization and conquest, element of urban culture, and means of imaginary transportation, on the brink of inside-outside. As we analyze case study films on the subject of home(land), cityscape, and voyage, we provide analytic tools for understanding the language of cinema and its impact on visual culture.Note: Recommended as preparation for 4351 and 4352.