From Caligari to Hitler: Weimar Cinema in Context
FILM 352
Fall 2020 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
GRST 252 |
This course offers a critical introduction to German silent and sound films from 1919 to 1932. It will test the thesis of Siegfried Kracauer's classic study that expressionist films in particular prepared the way for Hitler's rise to power. The focus will be on canonical films of the era including THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI, NOSFERATU, and THE LAST LAUGH (Murnau); METROPOLIS and M (Fritz Lang); and THE JOYLESS STREET and PANDORA'S BOX (Pabst). Some attention will also be given to films made at the ideological extremes of Weimar culture: KUHLE WAMPE (with a screenplay by Brecht), Leni Riefenstahl's THE BLUE LIGHT, and Pabst's THREEPENNY OPERA. Readings will include screenplays, essays, and reviews from the period as well as selected literary works such as Brecht's THREEPENNY OPERA and Irmgard Keun's novel THE ARTIFICIAL SILK GIRL. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (GRST-MN)(GRST) |
Major Readings:
Films: THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI, NOSFERATU, THE LAST MAN, METROPOLIS, M, PANDORA'S BOX, THE THREEPENNY OPERA, GIRLS IN UNIFORM, PEOPLE ON SUNDAY, THE BLUE LIGHT and others
Texts: Kracauer, FROM CALIGARI TO HITLER; Brecht, THE THREEPENNY OPERA; Fritz Lang, M (BFI Film Classics)
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Examinations and Assignments:
1 short essay (3-5 pp.)
1 examination
1 research paper (10-12 pp.) |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Students should be committed to learning about German history and culture. Regular attendance at the screenings is required. |
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