GER3604W

This course explores the history of German cinema—and cinema in Germany—from the 1890s into the 21st century. Including classics of German film such as Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Rainer Werner Fassbinder's The Marriage of Maria Braun, as well as lesser-known films, we will consider the intersection of film aesthetics, technology, and politics across Germany's turbulent history, while at the same time developing skills in close looking and film analysis. Topics to be discussed include the aesthetics of Expressionist cinema, the growth of the metropolis, the "New Woman" as film viewer and filmmaker, Leftist and anti-fascist cinema, postwar film culture in East and West Germany, and identity, belonging, and transnationalism in post-unification cinema. The language of instruction and readings will be in English, with additional reading assignments in German for interested students.

Class discussions, readings, and assignments will all be in English, with additional German-language texts available for interested students. Please note that this course does not permit the use of generative algorithms for any reason (this includes ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, Gemini, and any other so-called AI application, including those used to summarize readings). Students will therefore be graded primarily on oral participation and hand-written exams and assignments.

Arts/Humanities, Global Perspectives

Fall Even, Spring Odd Year