PMA 3461 - Introduction to African American Cinema

(crosslisted) AMST 3461, ASRC 3999, VISST 3461
(LA-AS, ALC-AS, SCD-AS)

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

S. Sheppard.

This course explores the rich and diverse history of African American filmmaking. Focusing on films written and/or directed by African Americans, this seminar traces the history of filmmaking from the silent era to the present day. In exploring Black cultural production and creative expression, students will consider the ways in which film is used as a medium of protest, resistance, and cultural affirmation. We will look at films through the critical lenses of race and representation in American cinema while locating our analysis within larger frameworks of Hollywood’s representation of African Americans and various cultural and social movements within local and global contexts. (HTC)