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Course Description
This course is designed to help students develop their sociological imagination through the
viewing, discussion and analysis of popular films. This course is not about analyzing film
per se. For example, while we will consider the context of the production of some films, we
will not discuss technical aspects of film-making or the caliber of individual performances.
Instead, we will be using the intellectual tools of sociology to explore various aspects of the
social world as they are (re)presented by filmmakers and movie studios. In so doing we will
examine a variety of popular films genres to refine your ability to understand and apply
sociology to your everyday world.
Required Reading:
Sutherland, J.A. and Feltey, K. (2010). Cinematic Sociology: Social Life in Film.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
(Additional readings will be made available on our Springboard site.)
Instructor Note:
The film list for this class is not meant to be read as a “best-of” list (either generally
speaking or as they relate to particular substantive areas). The films selected for viewing
include both mainstream and independent productions. I have tried to include a variety of
genres including dramas, comedies, science fiction, foreign films, children’s films, and
based-in-fact films. I chose some films and ignored others based on their length in order to
best meet the needs of our time-delimited class format. We also will not deal with
documentary films at all in this course.
You should keep in mind that we will watch/read/discuss material that may include explicit
language and/or explore sensitive or controversial topics. At times, these materials, issues,
and our discussions may make you uncomfortable. It is important
that you allow the material to challenge you in order to move toward new knowledge. That
does not mean you have to agree with everything we watch/read/discuss but you are
expected to show respect to each person in our class. Inappropriate or derogatory
language or behavior will not be tolerated if directed at other students or their beliefs. My
goal is to provide an environment where critical but constructive dialogue and analysis of
these very important issues can take place in a comfortable and civilized manner.
STUDENT RESOURCES
Tutoring Bierce Library 972-6552
Writing Skills Lab Bierce Library 972-6548
Computer Help Desk 972-6888
Office of Accessibility 972-7928; TDD 972-5764
(Students with disabilities or other special needs should contact this office to arrange any
necessary accommodations))
Course Schedule*
Date Topic Assignments Films*
19 Social Class and Read Chapter 1 & 2 The Bee Movie, Antz, Sneeches
Inequality
16 No class: President’s
Day
*Final Topic, Film & 2 Refs Due in Dropbox by March 12th at 11pm*
16 No Class: Spring
Break
*Journals Due*
You should read the assigned chapters in full before class on the scheduled date.
*I reserve the right to change this syllabus at any time. I will announce changes in class
and on Springboard. We will generally only watch one film per week. If you miss class, it is
your responsibility to find out what movie we watched. I do not lend out my copies of
films.