A look at women’s roles in the history of the moving image—as subject, object, maker, viewer, consumer, and critic. What influence has feminism had on how we make and watch moving images today? We’ll study typically female roles within the film industry and notable women who occupied them, as well women who broke barriers to penetrate traditionally male realms. We’ll look at women directors, cinematographers, editors, video artists and experimental filmmakers such as Dorothy Arzner, Maya Deren, Agnes Varda, Ulrike Ottinger, Trinh T. Min-ha, Chick Strand, Shirley Clarke, and Chantal Akerman who have made major contributions in moving image arts.  The class will consist of screenings and discussion, with an additional required screening session for longer works. Students will write several short response papers and contribute to discussions on Populi.

Corequisite: Screening, Thursdays at 7:00pm