Fall 2008

E 322 • Genres, Structures and Present Trends in German Cinema

Course Description

An examination of the role of genre in German cinema. Theory and analysis of outstanding films from the genres of the film of adolescence, melodrama, critical women's film, anti-Heimatfilm i.e., regional homeland film, anti-thriller, Berlin worker's film, road film, Brechtian cinema, and comedy. The assessment of the trends from the 1980s to the present, especially the restructuring of German filmmaking since the death of R.W. Fassbinder, the emergence of both German Women's Cinema, Turkish-German films and commercial comedy as significant branches of a maturing German Cinema. The third wave of history-oriented films, including the "normalization" phenomenon. The outlook for German cinema after the unification of East and West German production facilities, the European Common Market since l993, and the shared currency of the Euro in the 21st century.

Grading Policy

Class Participation 20%
Papers 50%:
Exams 30%
Quiz 5%
Mid-semester, in-class dress rehearsal exam for the Final 5%
Final 20%

NOTE: More than 5 absences and late paper to affect your grade (- 5% for each day). No late oral presentations. Save your allowable absences for emergencies.

Texts

Hans Guenther Pflaum. Germany on Film.
Collins, Richard/Porter, C. WDR and the Arbeiterfilm: Fassbinder and Others. Out of print. Excerpts included in class package.
A selection of articles (class package)

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