HUMANITIES 107
AMERICAN CULTURE IN FILM
Fall 2015
Edith Liebrand, Instructor
Office: 12 (Main Classroom Building)
Edith.liebrand@wwcc.edu
Course Description:
American Culture in Film is a course that explores how the film entertainment industry
shapes our cultural values, our moral attitudes, our expectations and our ways of living. This course
primarily focus on gender issues in individual movies. Moreover, it explores how issues of gender,
sexuality and race are shaped, stereotyped and sustained by the film industry. Students will examine
the representation of women and men and will analyze basic assumptions about social roles and
expectations for women and men. Students will develop a critical consciousness about embracing or
resisting these roles.
Films will be viewed in class. After each hour of viewing, students are required to keep a
diary of their thoughts, impressions and write a brief analysis of issues encountered.
Several movies are rated R by the MPAA (Motion Pictures Association of America). An R
rating indicates that scenes may include sexual scenes, violence, references to drug use, and /or
sexually derived language.
Every student is required to view the films in class. If you have an objection to viewing R rated
movies, you should not take this course.
Objectives:
1. To gain some historical and theoretical understanding of gender issues as portrayed in U.S
movies.
2. To understand gender issues within the context of race, social class, and sexuality.
3. Students should demonstrate the ability to be challenged and to think critically about
stereotypes within our culture.
4. Participants should become sensitized to issues within minority cultures.
5. Students should identify and analyze their own value system around diversity.
Assignments and Grading
1. Class participation/ Short essays: 20% of the grade.
Students are required to keep a diary after each hour of viewing. They will bring their diaries after
the last viewing and will use it during class discussions.
2. Two papers: One mid-term paper and one final paper. 40% of the grade.
3. One oral presentation on a given topic chosen by the instructor. 20% of the grade.
4. One final: 20%
Papers
For each of the two papers, students will choose 2 movies out of the 3 seen in class. They
will compare and contrast the two movies in the context of issues of gender/race/ sexuality or class.
Students may rely on scholarly or academic books or articles. References are to be properly cited.
Students can rely on outside sources only to support their main thesis. Students are to create and
support an original hypothesis about the similarities and differences on the chosen issue.
Papers are at least 4 pages, Times New Roman, 12 point font, MLA style.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is required. The only excused absences are medical and family emergencies and when
notified through the college. (you are allowed 3 unexcused absences)
You will be recorded as being absent if your cell phone or any other device is not turned off or
if it is checked during class time.
To request accommodations related to a disability, contact Claudia Angus, Ph.D., Coordinator of Disability Support
Services, Room 133C located in the Student Development Center or call 509 527 4262 email claudia.angus@wwcc.edu
Weekly Schedule: (movies and assignments can be changed and are to be considered tentative
and announcements made in class carry the same weight as the printed schedule)
Week 1:
M. Intro/ Syllabus / Lecture
T. Overview of Film industry/ Genres/ Terminologies: Feminism/ Gender issues.
W. When Harry met Sally. 96 mn
Th. Movie
F. Movie
Week 2.
M. Group discussions. Diaries. Handout.
T. Lecture/ Discussion handout.
W. Thelma and Louise.
Th. TL
F. TL
Week 3.
M. Group discussions/ Diaries
T. The Celluloid Closet.
W. CC
T. CC
F. Diaries/ Group discussion
Week 4.
M. October 12. Columbus day No class
T. Milk
W. Milk
T. Milk
F. Lecture/ Discussion Handout.
Week 5.
M. American Violette
T. AV
W. AV
T. Discussion/ Diaries/ Handout
F. Lecture/Discussion
Week 6.
PAPER 1 DUE
M. Crash. 122 mn
T. C
W. C Discussion/ Diaries
T. Discussion / Diaries
F. Handout.
Week 7.
M. Documentary: The Bro Code
T. Documentary
W. Documentary
T. Discussion/ diaries
F. Discussion/diaries/Handout
Week 8.
M. November 11: No class
T. SP
W. No Class (Nov 11th)
Th. SP
F. SP
Week 9.
M. Documentary: The Invisible War
T. Documentary:
W. Discussion
T. Discussion/ Diaries.
F. Handout
Week 10.
Thanksgiving.
Week 11.
M. SP
T. SP
W. SP
T. SP
F. Discussion
PAPER 2 DUE /
FINAL: