Black American Cinema
FILM 396
Fall 2026
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
AFAM 395 |
This class explores the history of Black American Cinema. It uses the question
"What is Black Cinema?" as a starting point for working through the complexities
of black representation across race, gender, class, and sexuality. While the class
surveys a wide range of 20th-century independent films, it also includes studio
films and units on 21st-century developments. Relevant shorts and student films
are included to examine developments in directorial style.
Filmmakers discussed will include Oscar Micheaux, Spenser Williams, Eloyce &
James Gist, Gordon Parks, Melvin Van Peebles, Julie Dash, Marlon Riggs, Zeneibu
irene Davis, Alile Larkin, Kathleen Collins, Ayoka Chenzira, Wendell B. Harris,
Charles Burnett, Bill Woodbury, Kasi Lemmons, Bridgette M. Davis, Tanya
Hamilton, Barry Jenkins, Cord Jefferson, and more. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: FILM304 OR FILM307 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (African American Studies Minor)(African American Studies)(Film Studies Minor)(Film Studies)(Social, Cultural and Critical Theory Certificate) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 75% - 89% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Gillespie, Black American Cinema
Cripps, Black Film as a Genre
Stewart, Migrating to the Movies
Masood, Black City Cinema
All readings will be provided by the instructor
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Examinations and Assignments:
Two short papers and a final paper. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
n/a |
| Instructor(s): Ball,Kevin Dwight Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-04:40PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 20 | | SR major: 4 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: 20 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 4 | SO: 6 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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