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Undergraduate Seminar (398-0-83)

Topic

Theories of the Moving Image

Instructors

Michael Scott Curtis

Meeting Info

Northwestern Qatar Room 3-216: Tues, Su 2:30PM - 3:45PM (AST)
Northwestern Qatar Room G-337: Thurs 2:30PM - 5:30PM (AST)

Overview of class

What is the nature of the photographic image? How has it changed in the digital era? How does a moving image affect a viewer differently than a still image? What is the effect of editing, for example, on a spectator? What is the difference between film and television, or between those two and, say, theater or painting? Such questions may seem philosophical, but their answers pertain directly to our (ever-changing) experience of moving-image media, such as film, television, or web content. To better understand the persistent power and appeal of these media, this course will sample the range of questions and answers—or theories—of the moving image from the 1910s to today. The course will engage with often difficult texts to understand their arguments and their implications for our contemporary media landscape. Each week will focus on a theme and discuss no more than two essays. Assessments will be based on short posts and either several brief papers or one longer essay. By the end of the course, students will be able to 1) identify key theories and theorists of moving-image media; 2) describe the main arguments and ideas of any given essay; 3) apply those arguments or ideas to contemporary examples of either films, television programs, or trends.

Registration Requirements


  • Prerequisites: MIT 220; MIT 312 History of Film is helpful, but not required

  • Open to Sophomores and above

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: NUQ: Seats are reserved for sophomores & above who have completed MIT 220-0