L. Castronova Spring, 2012 HSS 403 - MULTICULTURALISM in CINEMA
Office: 414 Cullimore
Office Phone: (973)596-6484
Office Hours: Tues., 12-2:00 p.m., Wed. 4-6:00 p.m, and Fri., 4-5 p.m.
Email: Castronova@adm.njit.edu
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Welcome to International Cinema!
Course Outline
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Required Text: Bergan, Ronald. EYEWITNESS COMPANIONS – FILM. New York:
DK Publishing, 2006. ISBN: 0-7566-2203-4
MULTICULTURALISM in CINEMA, a senior seminar, centers upon a series of
international films which will be considered for analysis and discussion. Students
will view films and will examine them in both form (how the film succeeds or fails
from a visual and audio perspective) and content. (On the latter, does the director
engage us? Stir our emotions? Give us a dose of reality? Offer an escape hatch from
the real world? Etc.) In class, several films will be seen in their original languages,
(often with subtitles), and students will discuss each presented film. Regardless of
location, time and again, themes will emerge and will transcend cultures. The more
we travel through the art of film, the more the physical boundaries seem to be
blurred, for the human condition and its various issues are illuminated through
international film study. Students, therefore, are asked to take the journey outside
of themselves, viewing each film as an episode of life, perhaps one that is occurring
or has already occurred somewhere in the world, at some point in time. If we,
ourselves, are not “in” the film, or cannot deeply connect with any of the characters
or events, that should make no difference to the open-minded viewer. What
unfolds on the screen is not always about us, and that is a good thing because,
through international cinema, we not only take the flight from self but, also, we get
a picture of how others live, often with a goal common to our own: to survive life’s
struggle, to make the best of a situation, to go forward after having made a tough
decision, to see levity as something international, and the list of connections goes
on in this manner. Of course, sometimes the contrast in lifestyles is an eye opener!
L. Castronova
HSS 403 Multiculturalism in Cinema
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CLASS PARTICIPATION: PLEASE NOTE: Attendance in HSS 403 is mandatory. The
idea is to watch (and read!) films together and then discuss them. This is NOT an elearning experience. Students must be present to share ideas about the films
shown in the seminar. Interaction and participation are necessary.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Assigned readings will be made as we progress through
the course. A list of textbook readings is provided here in this outline. Keep it
handy!) The readings are required. Through them, students will gain a greater
grasp of international cinema and the scope of its power. In addition to an
overview of the global picture of cinema offered by the text, there mayl be online
articles assigned for additional reading.
Students are responsible for successful completion of both a mid-term and a
final exam based on all films seen and discussed in class. The exams will also include
textbook and/or online reading assignments.
STUDENT PRESENTATIONS: Students will give presentations in class which are
based on an international film. All topics must be outlined beforehand and must
receive the instructor’s approval. (Specific dates and details will be given in class,
well in advance of the project due date.)
RESEARCH- Students are required to write a research paper related to
international cinema. They will select one international film (approved by the
instructor) and will assemble their research in an 8 to 10 page paper, one which
allows their own critiquing to sound through as well! Also, students are required to
carefully cite all sources using MLA style documentation. The paper should reflect a
student’s research skills and his or her understanding and analysis of that ONE
particular film, its place in cinema history, and the total picture of achievement or
failure as a result of the creation of this work. (Of course, more details will be given
in class on this project.) Due dates will be given for drafts and final, perfected
copies as well.
CAPTURING YOUR IMPRESSIONS - Ideas and related thoughts that connect to
each film, its characters, and themes need to be recorded in a movie blog or online
journal. (Use the Mahara course portfolio format.) All entries should be dated and
entered soon after a viewing and a discussion of each film seen and after ideas have
been shared in class.) Entry lengths may vary, but details and shared observations
are the vital key in creating this personalized, point-of-view, written feedback on a
series of international films. (Each film gets its own entry in the blog).
L. Castronova
HSS 403 Multiculturalism in Cinema Page 3
ONLINE COURSE PORTFOLIO - Students are requested to compile all courserelated work into an organized HSS 403 portfolio. The portfolio should contain a
recopying of the returned, graded mid-term exam essays, the final copy of the
research paper, the journal/blog on each film seen and discussed in class, any quiz
responses they may have been done in the course, and, also, any information
gathered (notes, articles, outlines, powerpoint slides, etc) to enable students to
create a smooth presentation for that oral component of the course.
REMINDER: Editing is an essential tool for all writers and researchers in any field.
So, aim to see the compilation of this course portfolio as an opportunity to aim for
higher ground in using editing skills and research techniques as well.
FINAL EXAM- Remember that a Final Exam will be given at the end of the semester
during the regular final exam period. (Once again, details on the exam will be
given in class.)
TEXTBOOK READINGS: The Story of Cinema (relating how it all began) (pages 1486)
How Movies Are Made ((the ever-changing process!!) (pages 90-111)
Movie Genres
(categories, classifications)
(pages 114-177)
World Cinema (think of it as a global phenomenon) (pages 180-245)
A – Z Directors (some of the masters of the craft)
(pages 249-491)
References
(pages 492-509)
(YES, read the entire textbook!) It is a great window on the vast world of
international cinema as presented by a noteworthy film scholar, Ronald Bergan).
Have an
Enjoyable Semester!
FYI: Grade Make up: 50% Attendance AND Participation
50% All Other Requirements Mentioned Above
( Written work and the oral presentation on a film)