Studies in Media Topics (298-0-20)

Topic

Waterlogs: Global Cinema of the Aquatic

Instructors

Kylie Rose Walters

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G01: Mon 10:00AM - 11:50AM
Helmerich Auditorium: Wed 10:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

Since its advent, cinema has depicted the history, drama, and poetics of water. Drawing on readings across cultural theory and the environmental humanities, this course examines the ways visual media of oceans, lakes, and rivers narrate histories of technology, industry, nature, and social difference. Together we'll survey such topics as Jacques Cousteau's deep-sea filmmaking, cinematic narratives of dams and hydropower, and the representation of fictional underwater creatures, both fearsome and friendly. We'll ask: How does water relate to theories of cinematic landscape? How has water inspired new forms of vision? What different purposes can these aquatic films serve in our era of ecological concern? Students will engage with a range of narrative, documentary, and experimental films to develop a broad understanding of water's history as a vital resource, a geography of exploration and exploitation, and a source of aesthetic pleasure and symbolic meaning.

Learning Objectives

Students will develop an understanding of media studies approaches within the environmental humanities and the so-called ‘blue humanities' more specifically. Students will refine their critical vocabulary for discussing contradiction in representation and for the comparative analysis of films in aesthetic, historical, and sociocultural terms. The course will support the development of skills in close reading and analysis, critical comparison, and constructive critique of visual media, both through written reflection and in-class discussion. Through readings and screenings, students will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and questions.

Class Notes

Readings available through CANVAS or provided in class. Films will be shown during class.