Cross-listed with Cinema Studies 01:175:349:01
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
Contemporary German and European Cinema
Students will be introduced to a variety of contemporary German and European films from 2007 to the present which reflect upon the current cultural and socio-political climate of the European Union. In light of the 2008 economic crisis, the refugee and humanitarian crisis, the Corona pandemic as well as the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the EU has seen a troubling resurgence of inequality, racism, and political hatred. We will tackle these issues through close critical analysis and ask ourselves what it means to build and maintain a European Union after 1945. Pairing the formal and stylistic specificities of contemporary German & European filmmaking with essays, poems, and short fiction by young, post-migrant, and queer voices, we will investigate the formation of history, memory, and cultural identity in Europe today, shed light on the role of film festivals, consider the impact of streaming platforms, and reframe the concept of national cinema. The course includes several workshops to train and hone your writing skills, including instructions on how to write a film review. Additionally, you will get to know and personally interact with filmmakers via virtual guest visits.
Satisfies SAS Core requirements AHp and WCD.