What This Document Is
This is a comprehensive class outline for FILM 168: National Cinema and Culture, a course offered at the University of California, Santa Cruz focusing on the cinema of Lebanon and Syria. It serves as a roadmap for the quarter, detailing expectations, assignments, and the overall approach to studying these important, yet often underrepresented, national cinemas. It’s designed to give students a clear understanding of the course structure and requirements before the quarter begins.
Why This Document Matters
This outline is essential for anyone enrolled in, or considering enrolling in, FILM 168. It’s particularly helpful for students who want to understand the course’s focus on the historical and political contexts surrounding Lebanese and Syrian filmmaking. Reviewing this outline *before* the course starts will allow you to prepare for the workload, identify required materials, and understand the professor’s expectations for participation and engagement. It’s a valuable resource for maximizing your learning experience.
Topics Covered
* Historical development of cinema in Lebanon and Syria
* The relationship between political events and film production in the region
* Aesthetic and cultural contexts of Lebanese and Syrian films and video
* Geopolitical influences on Middle Eastern cinema
* Critical approaches to understanding cultural expression
* Research skills for accessing academic resources (e.g., Cruzcat, E-Res)
* The importance of respectful dialogue in academic settings
What This Document Provides
* A detailed course schedule overview
* Information on required and optional course texts
* A breakdown of assignment weighting and descriptions
* Guidelines for participation, both in-class and online
* Details regarding a social bookmarking assignment utilizing del.icio.us
* Information about reading and viewing quizzes
* An overview of the midterm essay assignment and final project proposal requirements
* Contact information for the professor and office hours.
