ABC (0101) 388 - Identities on Screen: Movies from Africa to Latin America

Throughout the duration of the course students will explore:

• Cinematic Analysis: Develop the ability to critically analyze films from Africa, Spain, the Caribbean, Brazil, and Latin America, focusing on the nuanced portrayal, negotiation, and challenges pertaining to identity, race, gender, culture, and politics.
• Identity Exploration: Explore the intricate ways in which cinema serves as a mirror and shaper of national and transnational identities, dissecting the portrayal of gender, race, and ethnicity in cinematic narratives.
• Historical Context: Examine how films interact with historical events, power, race and gender structures, and cultural creations, fostering an understanding of how cinematic representations intersect with broader historical and social contexts.
• Representation Dynamics: Search the complexities of representation in films, exploring issues related to power dynamics, agency, and the impact of cinematic narratives on societal perceptions of identity.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Cultivate critical thinking skills through a meticulous examination of diverse films, enabling students to assess the deeper implications of cinematic choices and narratives.
• Cultural Awareness: Develop cultural awareness by analyzing the ways in which films reflect and shape cultural narratives, with a focus on the interconnectedness of cinema and cultural identity.
• Media Literacy: Enhance media literacy skills by understanding the pivotal role of cinema in shaping global perspectives, empowering students to navigate and interpret media in the context of identity, culture, and politics.
• Analytical Skills in Film Studies: Hone analytical skills specific to film studies, enabling students to dissect cinematic elements and techniques while discerning their impact on the portrayal of identity and cultural dynamics.
• Global Perspective: Gain insights into the global landscape through the lens of media, understanding the role of films in shaping and reflecting diverse perspectives on identity, culture, and politics.
• Effective Communication: Develop effective communication skills, both written and verbal, through assignments, discussions, and projects that require students to articulate their analyses and interpretations in a clear and academically rigorous manner.
• Information Literacy Integration: Enhance information literacy skills through hands-on exploration of academic databases, libraries, and reputable online sources, so students will be able to critically assess information and cite sources ethically.

By the end of the semester, students will be able to explore cinematic diversity, navigate analytical depths, illuminate cinematic influence, deconstruct social constructs, explore historical interactions, research intersectionality, attain global perspectives, cultivate analytical skills, understand media’s transformative role, and actively participate.