MAC 146 Aesthetics of the Cinema

This 100-level gateway course breaks down the aesthetic components of film and examines each element's function in the production of meaning in a text. The course underscores the fact that cinema's aesthetic language is not solely generated by Hollywood. It is a fluid system, highly contingent upon cultural, temporal, technological, and economic considerations. Selected international and alternative cinema movements will be examined for their enduring influences upon the global audiovisual aesthetic lexicon. Students will learn to connect formal analysis to cultural criticism and will engage with key disciplinary theories and writing methodologies. Students intending to major in Media Arts & Culture must complete two gateway courses by the end of the sophomore year, with grades of C+ or better. Gateway courses are not required for the MAC minor. This course is not open to Juniors or Seniors.