FILM 192 — Introduction to Film Genres
This course is a survey of film genres, a recognizable type of narrative structure, characterized by pre-established conventions. In this course, students will examine key American film genres, including, but not limited to, westerns, musicals, film noir, and terror/horror, in order to understand how these structures depend on disruption in order to maintain their form. Students will explore the historical and cultural roots and evolution of each genre as well as the elements that contribute to the distinctiveness of each genre. Through screenings, readings, discussions and writing assignments, the student will acquire a thorough understanding of how films can be categorized, and how this categorization affects how films are produced, and how we receive films as viewers.