FA 255 Understanding Movies: American Cinema

An introductory film studies course designed to bring Hollywood film making into clear focus as an art form, economic force, and a system of representation and communication. It explores how Hollywood films work technically, artistically, and culturally. Students probe the deeper meaning of American movies, the hidden messages of genres, the social and psychological effects of Hollywood film styles, and the mutual influence of society and popular culture through encounters with the work of directors such as John Ford, Howard Hawks, and Martin Scorsese.

Credits

3

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Discuss the major events shaping American film history from the silent era through the present day 2. Utilize the basic technical and critical vocabulary of motion pictures 3. Discuss how the technology of cinema relates to film art 4. Describe the economic structure of the film industry 5. Evaluate their own role as passive spectators, thereby increasing their ability to watch films actively and critically 6. Enhance their ability to think, speak and write critically about the role of film in an increasingly visual and technological culture