Writing About Film

In this section of English 220, we will focus primarily on writing, specifically on the process and theory of crafting effective expository essays. We will use film as a means to learn how to analyze the audience, purpose, and social and political contexts of certain 'texts,' and write effective criticism of them. Over the course of the semester, students will 'arm' themselves with the terminology and critical approaches necessary to 'read' film, and then write several different types of criticism to multiple audiences. We will also read and analyze other writers' works, both popular and academic, about film.

Be prepared to do a lot of reading, active participation in class, and writing, including short response papers, journal writing, and at least three major writing assignments.

Films to be determined, but may include one or several of the following: Chris Marker's La Jetee, Akira Kirosawa's Rashamon, Orson Wells' Citizen Kane, Fernando Meirelles' City of God, Yimou Zhang's Hero, Chris Nolan's Memento, Alain Resnais' Night and Fog, and Spike Jonze's Adaptation.