Hollywood Genres

This course will study the form and development of Hollywood film genres such as the science fiction film, the gangster film, the musical, and the romantic comedy, in order to determine what we can learn from these texts about ourselves and our culture. The conventions, archetypes, common plots, and key dramatic conflicts of various genres will be outlined and their meaning analyzed. The historical transformation of genres will be highlighted. Screening, readings, and written reports. (Formerly FMMC/AMCV 0134) 2 hrs. lect./ 3 hrs. screen/1 hr. disc.