Film & Media Studies 422 - Histories of Film Theory and Criticism

(Offered as ENGL 482 and FAMS 422) As an advanced seminar in Film and Media Studies, this course will explore particular figure(s), movements, and/or institutions which have been central to the development of film theory and criticism. By focusing attention on the historical context of these figures or movements, the course will enable students to develop an understanding of both film theory and historical analysis. Our purpose will be to ground theory in history, recognizing both how critical and theoretical work cultivates complex ideas about media forms and how considering such work in a historical context allows us to understand the origins and even urgency of theoretical debates. In Spring 2025, this course will focus on “Siegfried Kracauer in America,” introducing students to the polyvalent work of German film scholar Siegfried Kracauer.  Students will read Kracauer’s writings alongside those of his peers and contemporaries, such as Hannah Arendt, Theodor W. Adorno, and Margaret Mead. Students can expect to read widely, from primary sources to archival materials, and produce a substantial research paper by semester’s end. Prior coursework in FAMS or English is recommended. Limited to 15 students. 

Spring semester. Professor Brennan.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference will be given to English and FAMS majors but non-majors are also welcome

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: This course is designed primarily for advanced FAMS/English majors; however students in other programs are encouraged to apply for the class if the topic interests them. Reading materials will derive almost exclusively from Kracauer’s writings and those of his contemporaries. The goal is to immerse students in Kracauer’s work to understand his place in twentieth century history, his contributions to the development of film studies, and the particular intellectual milieu in which he worked. The class is as much an introduction to intellectual history as it is an overview of Kracauer’s work. Students will design and carry out research projects drawing on primary sources made available in the class, from the readings themselves to archival documents provided by the instructor.