LGEN 465E Global Cinema

Overview of Course

This course offers a dynamic survey of films from a multitude of countries and regions, exploring cinema as a powerful lens for understanding culture, geography, and history. We’ll move beyond the familiar conventions of Hollywood to examine a diverse range of narrative films created by filmmakers from around the world.
We will pay particular attention to the unique language of film, developing a precise vocabulary to analyze cinematic elements such as cinematography, editing, sound, acting, and lighting. Building on this technical foundation, we will investigate the relationship between the local and the global, focusing on how artistic expression complicates social and cultural norms. Our selected films will align with our itinerary, serving as a springboard to introduce viewers to the cultures and traditions of the places we visit. This experiential approach allows you to directly compare cinematic representations with your on-site observations. Ultimately, you will sharpen your analytical skills, develop an awareness of cultural diversity, and learn how storytellers use their craft to persuade, inspire, and illuminate the human experience across the globe.