FRS 004 — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 53629 — T 2:10-3:00pm — 25 Wellman
An Intellectual History of Film Noir

Instructor: Michael Saler, Department of History, College of Letters and Science

Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the cultural and intellectual history of “film noir.” We will explore how the term originated, the concept of “genre,” and how this particular genre has developed over time; the narrative structures and visual styles that have been claimed for it; the changing historical contexts that have influenced it; and the various intellectual movements (Surrealism and Existentialism in particular) that may have affected it. Students will learn to examine a particular genre in its historical contexts, and to analyze the visual and narrative conventions of film noir.

Format: All films will be placed on reserve at the Hart Hall Media Lab; film viewing is considered to be a “laboratory component” of the course and counts for 1 of the 2 course units. Each week a particular film and reading(s) are assigned. Students must complete the readings and view the film before we meet in seminar. Students should come to the seminar with a written list of “talking points” (1-2 pages worth) on both the film and the readings for the week, which will form the basis of the seminar discussion. These talking points can be informally presented; for example, 1-3 sentences per observation/idea/question. They are meant to generate discussion and debate in the seminar. Each week the talking points will be collected at the end of seminar, and graded on a pass/no pass basis; no late talking points will be accepted. Failure to turn in three talking points can be grounds for a “no pass” grade, and complete failure to participate in the seminar can be a basis for a “no pass” grade. Grading: The final grade of pass or no pass will be based on the student submitting the talking points and participating actively in the seminar.

About the Instructor: