ARTH 1810 - The City in Film, Photography, and Visual Media

Goals: The rise of the city as a cultural force after the Industrial Revolution coincided with the development of film and photography. So it is not surprising that filmmakers and photographers have eagerly engaged the city as a subject and setting, from city planning films to major motion pictures, from lyrical narratives to sci fi dystopias, from social reform documentary to the avant garde.

Content: In this course, we will analyze the meanings and contexts of city images in terms of narrative, space and social space. We will explore how images of the city represent issues of modernity, sexuality, the individual and community and also connect them to historical changes in actual cities and ideas about the city. The course will end with case studies of contemporary films that address issues of global cities, including Shanghai, Hong Kong and Mexico City.

Taught: Alternate years

Credits: 4 credits