6 credits| Dr. Danny CHAN
This course introduces students to the concepts of ideology and culture in the study of contemporary Chinese film. It surveys contemporary Chinese film and film practices, including blockbusters, festival films, independent or undergound features, and digital videos. It examines how these different forms and practices carry, convey, and contest official ideologies and values, as well as those of civil society and those commonly found in popular culture. Topics of discussion include: 1) Concepts of ideology and culture in film and visual studies; 2) Changes in official ideology regarding nationalism, progress, wealth, heroism, and China’s role in the world economy and culture; 3) Civil society or public values in films regarding social progress, justice, and difference; 4) Thoughts and emotions regarding freedom, happiness, love, and community in everyday life. Students must complete viewing the assigned films in a group or on their own.