ARTS 3017 - Black Mirror: African American Experience on Film

Arts & Sciences Department
This course will examine how the U.S. has explored its own history of race relations through the most American of institutions: film. Students will watch a series of films that address critical issues and turning points in the history of race relations, with a focus on the intersectionality of race with other critical issues that have structured American society: gender, social class, and politics. Through relevant readings prior to each viewing, students will be introduced to the makers of each film, to the process that went into the creation of the film, the critical and popular reception of the film, and scholarly analysis of the film. In class, we will discuss the intent of the film, primarily its agenda in relation to its subject matter. Please note: students are responsible for viewing films on their own prior to class meetings, and they are therefore expected to have access to major streaming services and/or to rent assigned films as necessary.
credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1100