Dr. Erik Mortenson
Social Sciences 268
Fall 2007
Office Hours: T, Th 13.45-15.30
Literature 105
T, Th 11.00-12.15
Location: To Be Announced
Film Noir
Course Description
This course will provide you with an introduction to the study of film through an examination
of what has come to be known as “Film noir.” This term, which literally means “black film”
in French, has generally been used to describe a type of American film made in the 1940s and
1950s. Although we will watch several “classic” film noir movies, our discussions are by no
means limited to standard themes. Film noir is only the starting point for a larger discussion
that will range over topics such as the construction of genres, the representation of women,
and the relationship between film and cultural history, to name a few. Throughout the
semester we will also explore other media such as photographs, paintings, and written texts
that will provide alternative views and examples. By the end of the course you will not only
become acquainted with film noir as a genre, but more importantly perhaps, you will be better
able to understand and critique the medium of film.
Assignments
Your grade will consist of three components. A series of short (2 ½-3 page) response papers
will determine the bulk of your grade. These assignments are designed to test your
comprehension of the material discussed in class and to provide you with an opportunity to
explore your own ideas in more depth. We will also have several quizzes given throughout
the semester that will give you an incentive to pay close attention to the films. Participation
and attendance make up the final portion of your grade—you must be on time, prepared, and
willing to speak in class in order to do well in this course.
Grading
Three Response Papers (2 ½-3 pages each)
Quizzes
Participation
Attendance
60%
20%
10%
10%
Student Expectations
I will be responsible for providing the generic, cultural, and biographical context which will
help us to make sense of the films. But please be aware that this course is NOT designed to
simply give you a general overview of cinema. On the contrary, you must watch these films
carefully. Working closely with selected scenes, we will not only examine issues relevant to
our topic, but we will explore the myriad of larger thematic issues that film noir raises. By
the end of the term, you will:
(1) Better understand how the field of film is approached
(2) Be introduced to some important film noir and neo-noir films and film-makers
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(3) Develop a vocabulary for talking about film and other visual media
Perhaps even more importantly, you will also:
(1) Engage the ideas and themes in these films in order to improve critical thinking skills
(2) Become better viewers
(3) Hone your ability to read, write, understand, and speak the English language
Instructor Expectations
In order to make this course enjoyable for everyone (myself included), I ask you to bring two
things to every session—an open mind and a respect for others. I expect everyone to listen
attentively to their colleague and to contribute positively to the discussion. For this class to
work, you need to take film seriously and be prepared to talk about your ideas. Please turn off
your cell phones, do not arrive late or leave early, and be quiet when others are talking. We
will have fun in this course, but I expect full preparation and attention at all times!
Policy on Plagiarism
The principle of honesty is recognized as fundamental to a scholarly community. Students are
expected to honour this principle—any student caught plagiarizing the work of another will be
expelled from the course and subject to further disciplinary action. If you are unsure what
constitutes plagiarism, see me before handing in your work.
Attendance Policy
You are expected to attend every session of the course. To be considered present you must be
on time with the course materials for that day. Do not expect to watch these films outside of
class—I will also be making announcements and comments, so attendance is necessary for
you to do well. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what we covered that
day and to get a copy of materials handed out in class. Attendance grades will be calculated
as follows—if you attend 90% of class meetings you get an “A” for participation, 80% a “B,”
and so on. Every three times you are late counts as an absence.
Tentative Schedule (Subject to Change)
Sept. 18 (T)
20 (Th)
25 (T)
27 (Th)
Hand out syllabus
Introduction to course
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Caligari
Oct.
Caligari; Discuss Paper #1
Citizen Kane (1941)
Citizen Kane
Şeker Bayramı—No class
Citizen Kane
Maltese Falcon (1941); Paper #1 Due
Maltese Falcon
Maltese Falcon
Maltese Falcon
2 (T)
4 (Th)
9 (T)
11 (Th)
16 (T)
18 (Th)
23 (T)
25 (Th)
30 (T)
2
Nov. 1 (Th) Workshop Paper #1; Discuss Paper #2
6 (T) Touch of Evil (1958)
8 (Th) Touch of Evil
13 (T) Touch of Evil
15 (Th) Blade Runner (1982)
20 (T) Blade Runner
22 (Th) Blade Runner; Paper #2 due
27 (T) Blue Velvet (1986)
29 (Th) Blue Velvet
Dec.
4 (T)
6 (Th)
11 (T)
13 (Th)
18 (T)
20 (Th)
25 (T)
27 (Th)
Workshop Paper #2; Discuss Paper #3
Blue Velvet
Memento (2000)
Memento
Memento
The Good German (2006)
The Good German; Paper #3 due
Summary of Course
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