In 1976 James Baldwin wrote his short work of film criticism The Devil Finds Work while in self-imposed exile in France. The work presents a personal film historical narrative as well as an intervention into the politics of aesthetics and the politics of visual cultural life from the perspective of a writer grappling with the realities of living as Queer and Black in the 20th century. The Devil Finds Work forms the spine of this course. We will read the text closely cover to cover and engage/watch with the broad spectrum of films it surfaces as a means through which to explore and understand more deeply how cinema shapes experience in general and in particular.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will develop a broad awareness of film history and increase their abilities to critically engage with cinema.
Students will learn about the current landscape of film criticism and practice pitching projects.
Students will work collaboratively in small reading groups over the duration of the course to deeply explore the main text.
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
W 2:10PM - 5:50PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: One time only
Categories: All courses , Fully In-Person , Media Studies
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