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 forms of narratives and documentaries, and a range of Chinese and film practices, including blockbusters movies, festival films, independent or undergound features, and underground 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 the study of narrative and documentary films and various film practices; 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 independent and underground 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.
Assessment: 100% coursework.