This course examines how Russian filmmakers crafted images that shaped Russians’ views on history and politics. Our discussions will cover comedies, blockbusters, and auteur films, with an emphasis on the political and cultural contexts of contemporary Russia. Students will develop skills in comparative film and cultural analysis. The course is taught in English, and no previous knowledge of Russian history or language is required or expected.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
Core IMPACTS statement(s) (if applicable):
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward the broad Orienting Questions: What is humanism, and what is antihumanism? What are the reasons to consider human life as exceptionally valued, and what are the ways to oppose this statement?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the diverse ways of thinking about different cultures.
- Students will be able to recognize how films shape contemporary culture and politics.
- Students will be able to analyze how film influences the understanding of national history.
- Students will enhance their skills in analyzing films and cultures comparatively
- Students will analyze and draw information from a large variety of texts, including fiction, academic writing, and film.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Critical Thinking
- Critical Intercultural Competence
- Independent ability to find and critically assess a variety of discourses and information resources