Film/Media Studies

Liberal Studies B.A. Degree Program:
Communications/Media Studies

The Lavender Frame: Gays and Lesbians on Film
The presentation of gay and lesbian characters is charted in both film and television: the period of effeminate male and “bull dyke” stereotypes (1920s–1950s); the era of homosexuality represented as “forbidden love” (1960s–early 1980s); and the more “out and proud” characters of contemporary times. Looking at film and television as reflections of popular culture, students consider the overall relationship between homosexuality and the more dominant heterosexual culture. Other topics include: gender roles; stereotyping; “drag” as artistic and sexual expression; censorship; and the genre as a narrative device for both entertainment and political/social statement. Also offered as CSS 3045.
FTF3045.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Rachel Simon
Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
Session I: May 19–June 6
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1006

The Law and Film
An examination of how law functions (or malfunctions), using contemporary films to illustrate the U.S. criminal justice system. Students review series of films and compare them to literature and contemporary realities. Topics include: arrest, interrogation, and the right to an attorney; preparation for trial and jury selection; the conduct of a trial, including opening statements, examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses, and sentencing; and imprisonment. Also offered as CSS 3055.
FTF3055.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Basil Apostle
Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Session IV: July 7–25
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 2072

Teenagers in Literature and Film
Whether finding a prom date or a lunch table, or dealing with the problems of puberty, the anxiety of being a teenager is a nearly universal experience. Writers and filmmakers use adolescence in their work as a way to connect to their audience through common and accessible themes. This course traces the pervasive themes of the teenage experience in film and literature. Also offered as ALI 3110.
FTF3110.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Rachel Simon
Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Session III: June 9–27
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1038

NEW! American Subcultures in Film
What does it mean to be part of a subculture? This phenomenon is explored through film, focusing on subcultures that are usually not in the mainstream spotlight and analyzing what it means to live on the margins. The subcultures may include, for example, the Amish, big rig drivers, Scrabble champions, graffiti artists, quadriplegic athletes, prison inmates, and outsider artists. Also offered as CSS 3160.
FTF3160.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Rachel Simon
Mon.–Fri., 1:00–4:35 p.m.
Session I: May 19–June 6
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1006

American Films, American Myths
The motion picture has done as much to create and maintain an American mythology as any of our social, political, or economic institutions. In addition to exploring the general concept of myth, this course looks at multiple myths of American society and the ways in which film has perpetuated and, in some cases, challenged them. Also offered as CSS 3500.
FTF3500.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Ron Mottram
Mon.–Fri., 1:00–4:20 p.m.
Session III: June 9–27
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1001

NEW! Gender Expression in Film
By focusing on masculinities, femininities, and the space in between, this course examines the cultural structure of gender and investigates the various ways that gender is expressed visually in film. Also offered as CSS 3610.
FTF3610.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Rachel Simon
Mon.–Fri., 1:00–4:20 p.m.
Session III: June 9–27
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 2073

The American Crime Film
An examination of the transformations, both stylistic and thematic, within the crime film. Topics include: the ways in which social attitudes toward crime and criminals are mediated in the social conventions of the cinema; the relationship of the crime film to distinct periods of American history; and the relevance of the crime film to other genres. Also offered as CSS 3760.
FTF3760.45 / 4 credits
Michael Garber (updated 6/09/08)
Mon. & Wed., 9:00 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
Session II: June 9–July 23
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 2073

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Posted Feb. 20, 2008