JWST 2790

JWST 2790

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2022-2023.

What does it mean to call a film is "Jewish"? Does it have to represent Jewish life? Does it have to feature characters identifiable as Jews? If artists who identify as Jews—actors, directors, screenwriters, composers—play significant roles in a film's production does that make it Jewish? Our primary point of entry into these questions will be Hollywood, from the industry's early silent films, through the period generally considered classical, down to the present day. We will also study films produced overseas, in countries that may include Israel, Egypt, France, Italy, and Germany. Our discussions will be enriched by contextual material drawn from film studies, cultural studies, Jewish studies, American studies, and other related fields. Students will be expected to view a significant number of films outside of class—an average of one per week—and engage with them through writing and in-class discussion. The directors, screenwriters, composers, and actors whose work we will study may include: Charlie Chaplin, Irving Berlin, Al Jolson, Fanny Brice, Billy Wilder, Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Aviva Kempner, Joan Micklin Silver, the Marx Brothers, and the Coen Brothers.

When Offered Spring.

Distribution Category (ALC-AS, LA-AS)
Course Attribute (CU-ITL)

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Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: AMST 2790PMA 2490VISST 2790

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  6368 JWST 2790   LEC 001

    • TR White Hall 110
    • Jan 23 - May 9, 2023
    • Shapiro, E

  • Instruction Mode: In Person