Sociology 471
I. Course Title: Society and Film
II. Course Number: SOCY 471
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: SOCY 110 or SOCY 121
V. Course Description:
This course is an examination of the social and cultural importance of film. The central focus will be on analyzing cinematic treatment of such things as gender, race, class, marriage and the family, and the impact of social change.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
- Social subversion in film
- Cinematic treatment of male gender roles (failure of expression, paternal abandonment and abuse, and reaction to changing female roles)
- Changing cinematic treatment of female gender roles
- Cinematic treatment of race including the American Dilemma
- Cinematic treatment of social class
- Cinematic treatment of changing marriage and family patterns
- Cinematic treatment of the impact of social change (i.e., anomie)
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
Each class will center on watching a full-length feature film as well as bits and pieces from other relevant films. Preparatory to any session, students will be given materials pertaining to the socio-cultural import of the film to be viewed. Student papers pertaining to socio-cultural issues related to each film will serve as the point of departure for discussion.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Students will be expected, by the end of the semester, to have developed a reasonably high level of sophistication in analyzing film from a socio-cultural perspective.
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessment measures will include papers, exams, and presentations related to social issues in films.
Other Course Information: None
Review and Approval
March, 2002 Passed Curriculum Committee
March, 2009
March 01, 2021