FREN428

Le cinéma francophone

This course introduces students to some of the extensive and diverse production of Francophone cinema. Students will discover Francophone culture through the prism of cinema, a dynamic and sometimes intimate visual art form that permits a glimpse, through the eyes of the filmmaker, into the aspirations and transformations of the French-Speaking world. Special attention will be given to cinema as a form of social and political discourse in a postcolonial context. In addition, the course will deal with gender, indigeneity, cultural identity, and language. Students will develop their ability to analyze and communicate a critical discourse in French, while examining a range of films and readings in Film Studies. Class discussions as well as assignments will focus on both the aesthetics and the economy of film in specific areas of the French-speaking world. Students will learn how to approach Francophone cinema critically, how to analyze cinematographic objects, and how to communicate their analysis cogently and persuasively.

Language of instruction: French

Prerequisites: Either (a) all of FREN 311, FREN 321 or (b) all of FREN 328, FREN 329 and one of FREN 225, FREN 402