Cinematically Speaking

French films function as a springboard for readings, discussions, oral presentations, and short critical essays guaranteed to improve conversational skills in French. We will do a brief examination of the history of French films, learn the vocabulary necessary to discuss them, and read about a variety of cinematic techniques. We focus on a theme (e.g., "the outsider") that will allow us to compare and contrast different films' viewpoints and approaches. We also learn ho to interpret flims using short clips. From social comedy in La vie est un long fleuve tranquille to social drama in La Haine, from autobiographical subject in Chocolat to sci-fi sarie in Delicatessenm we experience a breadth of topics and cinematographic styles representative of French cinema from 1940 to the present. 6 units. Three classes per week. Prerequisite: French 202 or consent of the instructor. This course counts as speaking intensive for the GERs.