Information Package
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Program of American Culture and Literature (English)

ACL278

AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH FILM

Course Code
ACL278
Semester
-
Theory+Practice
3 + 0
ECTS
4
Course TypeElective Course
Course LevelBachelor's Degree
Year of Study-
Semester-
ECTS4
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Recognize the identifying characteristics of film as a genre.
  2. Identify elements of culture and history in films.
  3. Analyze films through the lens of culture and history.
  4. Evaluate films as subjective representations.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course DescriptionThis course is designed to enhance knowledge acquired on American history through the medium of film. The course starts with introducing the basic skills through which film, as a genre, can be analyzed and utilized in understanding culture and history. It moves on with scrutinizing American historical landmarks as reflected in films.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Introduction to the course
2nd Week Conference Week, No Class
3rd Week Elements of Film as a Genre, Methodology of Film Analysis, "Slavery," Harriet (dir. Kasi Lemmons, 2019)
4th Week "The Civil War 1861-1865 and Reconstruction 1865-1877," Free State of Jones (dir. Gary Ross, 2016), IN CLASS WRITING #1
5th Week "America's Gilded Age 1870-1890 and The Progressive Era 1900-1916," Iron Jawed Angels (dir. Katja von Garnier, 2004)
6th Week "World War I," Flyboys (dir. Tony Bill, 2006), IN CLASS WRITING #2
7th Week "Great Depression and The New Deal 1932-1940," The Boys in the Boat (dir. George Clooney, 2023), IN CLASS WRITING #3
8th Week Midterm
9th Week "World War II," Hacksaw Ridge (dir. Mel Gibson, 2016)
10th Week "1950s - Cold War - McCarthyism," Trumbo (dir. Jay Roach, 2015), IN CLASS WRITING #4
11th Week "1960s - Civil Rights Movement," Till (Chinonye Chukwu, 2022), IN CLASS WRITING #5
12th Week "Vietnam War - 1960s and 1970s," Full Metal Jacket (Stanley Kubrick, 1987)
13th Week "1980s - Reagan Era," Philadelphia (dir. Jonathan Demme, 1993)
14th Week "September 11 - The War on Terrorism" 1.World Trade Center (dir. Oliver Stone, 2006) 2.United 93 (dir. Paul Greengrass, 2006)3.Reign Over Me (dir. Mike Binder, 2007) 4.Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (Stephen Daldry, 2011) 5.The Reluctant Fundamentalist (dir. Mira Nair, 2012) 6.Zero Dark Thirty (dir. Kathryn Bigelow, 2012) 7.The Report (dir. Scott Z. Burns, 2019) 8.Worth (dir. Sara Colangelo, 2020) IN CLASS PRESENTATION #6 (Group Work)
Recommended or Required ReadingNelmes, Jill, ed. An Introduction to Film Studies. 3rd ed. London: Routledge, 2003.
Pramaggiore, Maria and Tom Wallis. Film: A Critical Introduction. 3rd ed. London: Laurence King, 2011.
Prince, Stephen. Movies and Meaning: An Introduction to Film. 2nd ed. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 2001.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Project
  • Other
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 25
Project 1 35
Total(%) 60
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 60
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 40
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 2 2
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work 14 4 56
Preparation for Final exam 1 5 5
Course hours 14 3 42
Preparation for Midterm exam 1 5 5
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam 1 2 2
Homework
Workshop
Project 1 8 8
Total Work Load120
Total Work Load / 30 (h)4
ECTS Credit of the Course4
Language of InstructionEnglish
Work Placement(s)No

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