First, this course is intended as an introduction to film aesthetics, or more specifically Hollywood film aesthetics that tries to understand the culture of the United States through the moving pictures it creates of "reality." Second, this a DISCUSSION COURSE so one of my few requirements--for those who wish to get a grade of excellent--is that students talk about the films we're watching. I will facilitate this with weekly questions (approx. 10), and students who regularly try to answer these questions will be noted. In addition, the course is arranged chronologically, beginning with the silent film era and continuing to the 21st century. In addition, it attempts to include as many of the major genres as possible. Finally, students must come to class having already watched the film(s) on their own and be ready to discuss them.
![](https://ronentity.net/pluginfile.php/3733/course/overviewfiles/chinatown.jpg)