LFU:online

Institut für Amerikastudien Institut für Amerikastudien

Dr. Sonja Bahn Dr. Sonja Bahn

610013

Critical Interfaces: American Cultures: Celebrated, Cherished, Criticized, Condemned. Cult Films in the U.S.

PS 2

5

wöch.

semestral

Englisch

What in fact is a cult film? How and why does a film become a cult film? What effect do cult films have on the film industry? Are cult films simply trash or could they be a form of cinephilia? This cultural studies proseminar will deal with the background, development, and elements of cult films as well as the influence of the new media on cult film practices. These are in part determined by audience reactions so that we will also have to take a look at the cultural and socio-political mood in the U.S. to find out why a film becomes, remains, or disappears as a cult film. Choosing from a wide range of posssibilities, in a wide range of genres, from the past to the present, we will discuss, analyze, critique, and assess one film per week in an attempt to find our own definition and understanding of the phenomenon "cult film".

Film presentation, group discussion, analysis and interpretation, short writing assignments

Regular attendance, active class participation, film viewing outside class, a 10- to 12-page research paper (MLA) OR a film on a topic related to the course content

Materials needed for the course will be handed out in class.

Anmeldungsvoraussetzung/en im BA: positive Beurteilung des Pflichtmodul 19 Entspricht im Diplomstudium (343): PS2: American Culture Entspricht im Lehramtsstudium (344): PS2: American Culture
Beginn: 6.10.2010