B CUSP 120
Evaluates progress at the conclusion of the first year through the construction of a portfolio and offers an experiential learning opportunity, either on- or off-campus. Prerequisite: either B CUSP 115, B CUSP 116, or B CUSP 117; may not be repeated. Offered: Sp.
South Asian Cinemas: In this course students will assemble and finalize their E-Portfolios illustrating their reflection on and revision of the work they will have done during the first year of their college and in their extracurricular activities. The course will be divided between work on the E-portfolio (30%) and an investigation of South Asian cinema (70%) as their themed course, which constitutes the culmination of the three interlinked DC courses on film studies. Here we will examine some of the significant trends, films, and filmmakers of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. We will begin by studying early cinema in South Asia and go on to investigating the different genres such as historical, social, art, diasporic, short, and documentary through an examination of certain key moments of its development during the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will also explore how film has been used as a medium to represent the history and contemporary realities of the region such as the anti-colonial movement, decolonization, various movements of partition and secessionism, the communist rebellion, terrorism, neocolonialism, right-wing fundamentalism, Bollywood, and the NRI cinema.
Student learning goals
Completed their E-Portfolios
Demonstrated their capacity for investigating, critiquing, revising, and reflecting on their work accomplished and how it projects toward their Major, their further scholastic career, and beyond.
Have refined their understanding of the language and theory of cinema.
Acquired knowledge of the historical and aesthetic evolution of South Asian cinema.
Become familiar with the key cinematic movements and film directors in South Asia.
Critically examined the relationship between mainstream and Third Cinema.
General method of instruction
Mini lectures, student-centered and student-led discussions and seminars, workshops
Class assignments and grading
Quizzes, Journal entries, Midterm, Group Presentations, E-Porfolio, Class participation