German 4305

Deutsches Kino

Spring 2009

Mondays: 4-8 p.m., Hum 403

Professor Gesa Zinn                                                                                                               

Büro: 452 Humanities

(218) 726-8990

gzinn@d.umn.edu

Buerostunden: Montags: 1-2, Donnerstags: 10-11

COURSE INFORMATION

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This class is an introduction to the history of German cinema and to film analysis with a focus on the relationship among German film, history, literature, culture, and politics. The course will examine representative works from various cinematic periods. It is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of the extensive body of cinematic work in Germany and to help students read films as both reflections and critiques of society and culture. The language of instruction is German. Readings are in English and German; the films are in German with English subtitles or intertitles.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture, discussion. With the exception of a few, each class session will address socio-historical aspects surrounding the film to be discussed, technical aspects of film (film language) and a discussion of the film in particular, followed by a film screening. Readings consist of chapters from our textbook (at the Reserve desk in our library), and articles about (film) history, films and filmmakers. The articles are available at the Reserve Desk of the library or via electronic reserve. Materials should be read prior to each class session.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to attend all classes, view all films, do the assigned readings, and participate actively in the discussions. Written work consists of:

1. Two short papers (2-3 pages) on various topics assigned throughout the semester (30%)

2. One final paper (5-6 pages) (20%)

3. One sequence analysis (15%)

4. 1 oral presentation (Gruppenvortrag) (Power-Point ) (15%)

5. Class participation (20%)

All assignments (except for the sequence analysis) are in German and due on the date they are assigned. Work handed in past the due date will receive a lower grade. Assignments handed in a week or more later than the assigned date will not be accepted. You will be graded on the content of your assignments as well as on your written language skills (should you need help with your written German, please see the German tutor for advice). Papers that are difficult to read will be handed back for correction and need to be returned within a week to be able to receive a grade; points will be taken off.

Students taking the course for graduate credit will be expected to write a research paper (10 pages) in lieu of the shorter final paper on one or two aspects of a film.

A (90-100%) B(80-90%) C (70-80%) D (60-70%) F (59% or lower)

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND EXPECTATIONS:

University expectations and policy since 1922 have been that undergraduate students will average three hours of work per week (in-class time, plus homework) for every credit hour they take. Some students might need less time than others to complete the assignments. If you are having trouble doing the work, please consult with the instructor to talk about ways to resolve any difficulties.

  The Department is committed to making its courses available to all students who are adequately prepared and are willing to participate. If there is any reason why you may have trouble meeting any of the expectations as they are outlined, please contact me right away and we will attempt to work out an accommodation.           

If you miss more than 1 class, you cannot earn an A in this course. You should have 1 “free pass” for illness and other unexpected difficulties.

Attendance: no more than 2 unexcused absences to pass this class.

TEXTS: William H. Phillips. Film. An Introduction.Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2002 (on reserve in library, 2 hour loan & on electronic reserve)

Siegfried Kracauer. From Caligary to Hitler. Princeton: Princeton U Press, 1947 (on reserve in library, 2 hour loan, and on electronic reserve)

Various articles on reserve in the library. Please follow the steps below (a reserve librarian will help you should you have trouble connecting to this website):

1. Connect to the UMD Library home page 2. Go to: UMD Course Reserves 3. Type in Ger 4305 or my name

SYLLABUS

R=on reserve