CMS 4320: Women and Film

Course Objectives

In this course, we will explore the role of women in the cinema as on-screen representations, spectators, and filmmakers. We will also survey some of the most influential writings in the field of feminist film theory. The course will approach these various representations of women in film in three distinct phases.

The first, introductory phase will explore depictions of women and gender norms in mainstream films from the "Golden Age" of Hollywood Cinema (1930s-1950s), such as those directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Dorothy Arzner, and Howard Hawks. During this portion of the class, we will begin to map a variety of theoretical arguments about topics such as audience spectatorship, the interplay of desire and identification, and the construction of sexual difference. The film screenings during this section will serve as a testing ground for the theories we're learning.

The second phase of the course will study selected representations of women as re-considered by feminist female filmmakers, including Michele Citron, Trinh Minh-ha, and Leslie Thornton. These films will be more recent (1970s-1990s) and will draw from more independent, “experimental” works. During this portion of the class, the films will serve as our primary texts of analysis, with supplemental readings.

In the third phase, we will closely analyze various mainstream and independent films in light of the previous two course sections. These films will range from the 1960s through today, by directors as varied as Jane Campion, Deepa Mehta, Cheryl Dunye, and Agnès Varda.

Course Format

Our class will cover one or more films per week. Generally we'll have an introductory lecture and/or discussion of the readings on Tuesdays, which will be followed by a film screening. On Thursdays we'll discuss both the film and assigned readings. Readings throughout the semester will include historical texts and theoretical criticism, as well as some directors’ commentary. You will be responsible for thoughtful journal responses to most of our weekly films and readings. Excellent writing skills and thorough command of the film terminology you learned in CMS 2100 are expected in all of your writing. 

Film Screenings

Please note that the film screenings are mandatory, as this material will be the subject matter of your weekly writing assignments. If you do not plan to attend the screenings, you should drop the course. We will view additional excerpts from selected films during class lectures.

Note: Many of the films in this series contain violence, profanity, drug usage, and/or frank sexual content. These films are intended for mature audiences and are not suitable for children under 17 who are unaccompanied by an adult. If you are disturbed by R-rated film content, you should drop the course.

Always arrive five minutes early to screenings and to class lectures, not only because we will start promptly but also because late arrivals are extremely disruptive. If you must arrive late, always use the back door to enter the room. Do not eat loud foods, answer cell phones, talk with classmates, or leave the room during screenings; these are a time for serious study of our film texts so you should be taking copious notes during each film to prepare for your journal entries, quizzes, class discussions, and exams. You may wish to bring a penlight to classes and screenings to help you take notes in the dark. Anyone behaving disruptively during a screening or class will be asked to leave.

Required Texts (Available at the campus bookstore or Amazon.com)

1.    Thornham, Sue, ed. Feminist Film Theory: A Reader, NY University Press, 1999. ISBN: 0814782442 (FFT)

2.    Kaplan, E. Ann, ed. Feminism & Film. Oxford UP, 2000. ISBN: 0198782349 (F&F)

3.    Readings online or on reserve in the Library.

Optional Texts

1.    Corrigan, Timothy. A Short Guide to Writing About Film, 5th edition. New York: Longman, 2004. (SGWF)

2.    Bordwell, David and Kristin Thompson. Film Art: An Introduction, 7^th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. (FA)

Course textbooks & most films should be available in the collection of the library soon.

Note: If you have added this course during the schedule change period and/or were not present for the syllabus review the first day of class, you are required to meet with me the following week to review course requirements and policies.