Film Appreciation
A.K.A. The Best Class in School (Because All You Do Is Watch Movies)
A.K.A. The Best Class in School (Because All You Do Is Watch Movies)
Pre-1920’s through 1927: The Advent of Cinema & Silent Film
1927-1940: "The Golden Age of Hollywood"
1940-1950: Film Noir & WWII on Film
1950-1965: Epics, Westerns, Sci-Fi, and the HUAC
1965-1980: End of the Studio System & the Rise of "Film Brats"
1980-Today: The Dawn of the Sequel, VHS/DVD/Streaming, CGI, and Contemporary Cinema
Below is a list of possible films for the course. While certain films and film movements need to be covered, students will have some say in what films they want to see from within those periods.
Since the list includes more than 135 films, not all films will be shown during a single semester.
***Students who enjoy the course are encouraged to take it multiple times for credit, since we cover different films each semester.***
FILM APPRECIATION: 10, 11, 12 2.5 credits
Film Appreciation introduces students to a variety of landmark films from different historic periods, challenging them to look beyond the contemporary and understand the heritage of cinema. Throughout the semester, students will explore several genres, gaining insight into what happens both on screen and behind the scenes. By engaging with a variety of media students enhance their ability to both view and write critically about films. Each semester brings a different “classic playlist” as well as a spattering of modern selections. Thus, students can take the course—for credit—more than once! Whether you’re already a serious film buff or aspiring to become one, “film” is for you.