Department Seminar 4: Economics and Ethics of Sustainable Design
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NYU Collage of Arts & Science, FALL 2015
Course Title: Political Cinema and Representation of the Other FRSEM-UA 463 – 001, Class Number – 7930, 4 Units
Time: Friday, 9:30am – 12:00pm, September 2, – December 15, 2015
Location: Bldg: BOBS, Room: LL146
Prof: Shimon Dotan, Contact Information: [email protected]
SYLLABUS
Representation of the Other is a central part in the construction of self-identity. In conflict our sub- jective construction of the Other becomes a rallying cry. In contemporary war the Other is viewed not only as an enemy to be fought but often, as one to be eliminated. This Other is not passively perceived but actively represented. How do filmmakers fight against or, alternately, reinforce, such deadly representations?
This class will focus primarily on one of the world’s most conflict-ridden regions – the Mid- dle East. The class will also explore films from Russia, Germany, France, China and the US. Through readings and film screenings, we will investigate how the Other is constructed: polit- ically, aesthetically and ethically.
Our exploration will concentrate on the relationship between Form and Content. In our discus- sions on Form we will study variations in the use of cinematic elements such as sight and sound, montage and point of view, in order to achieve a subjective portrayal of the Other. In our discussions on Content we will explore specific political conflicts presented in each film or group of films.
This class is designed for anyone interested in filmmaking and film criticism, contemporary politics and history (especially those of the Mid-East), cinema of conflict and violence, and the ethical questions associated with them.
Writing Assignments:
a) Two writing assignments (500 words each) on selected films presented in class. These should include your analysis of the cinematic depiction of the film’s specific political con- flict--that is, how does the film do what it does-- as well as a “feeling-thought” analysis, in which you document your subjective (emotional) reaction to the film, your intellectual analysis of it, and the relationship between the two. b) Final essay (2,500 words.) Topics will be presented two weeks prior to end of semester.
Reading List:
1. ISRAEL/PALESTINE by Alan Dowty (second edition, Polity Press 2008, ISBN: 978-07456- 4243-7 2 2. THE YELLOW WIND by David Grossman (Picador 2002; ISBN: 0-312-42098-6)
3. ORIENTALISM by Edward Said (Vintage Books 1979, 2003; ISBN: 0-394-74067-X) (Selected chapters)
4. UNDERSTANDING MEDIA by Marshall McLuhan, edited by W. T. Gordon (Gingko Press Inc., 2003, 1964; ISBN: 1-58423-073-8) (Selected chapters)
5. UNCANNY VALLEY by Lawrence Weschler, ISBN 978-1-58243-757-6, 2011, paperback if available (Selected chapters)
6. SHOOTING AN ELEPHANT by George Orwell
7. THE LOTTERTY by Shirley Jackson
Films:
(Schedule and selection of films may change.)
Class 1: Gaza Strip (2001, 74 min.) by James Longley Screening and discussion: Born into victimhood.
Class 2: Close, Closed, Closure (2003, 53 min.) by Rami Loevi Screening and discussion: Identities marked by victimhood.
Class 3: Wedding in the Galilee (1987, 113 min.) by Michel Khleifi Screening and discussion: Orientalism, one side.
Class 4: The Syrian Bride (2004, 96 min.) by Eran Riklis Screening and discussion: Orientalism, the other side.
Class 5: The Battle of Algiers (1966, 121 min.) by Gillo Pontecorvo. Screening and discussion: The politics--and ethics--of terrorism.
Class 6: Paradise Now (2005, 90 min.) by Hany Abu-Assad Screening and discussion: Victim as aggressor.
Class 7: Hot House (2007, 89 min.) by Shimon Dotan Screening and Discussion: Listening to the Other.
Class 8: The Triumph of the Will (1935, 110 min.) by Leni Riefenstahl Screening and discussion: Aesthetics as politics.
Battleship Potemkin (1925, 66 min.) by Sergei Eisnestein Screening and discussion: Politics as aesthetics.
Class 9: Divine Intervention (2005, 90 min.) by Elia Suleiman Screening and discussion: “Poor Cinema” and the purity of expression.
Class 10: Waltz With Bashir (2008, 90 min.) by Ari Fulman Screening and discussion: Memory and History. 3
Class 11: Fog of War (2003, 107 min.) by Errol Morris Screening and discussion: Guilt, Responsibility, Judgment I.
Class 12: The Gate Keepers (2012, 101 min.) by Dror Moreh Screening and discussion: Challenge authority, always.
Class 13: Taxi to the Dark Side (2007, 106 min.) by Alex Gibney Screening and discussion: Guilt, Responsibility Judgment II.
Class 14: Promises (2001, 106 min.) by Justin Shapiro Screening and discussion: Innocence corrupted.
Alternate films: Omar (2013, 96 min.) by Hany Abu-Assad Vote For Me (2008, 58 min.) by Weijun Chen Bethlehem (2013, 99 min.) by Yuval Adler Zaytoun (2012, 110 min.) by Eran Riklis The Law In These Parts (2011, 100 min.) by Ra’anan Alexandrovicz
Student evaluation: Class participation: 20% Short written assignments (20% each): 40% Final written assignment: 40%
Attendance Policy: Students are responsible for knowing the attendance policy and for keeping track of their individu- al attendance records. 3 absences are grounds for failure. Lateness – Being late to class two times (2) will be counted as one absence.