17324

WiSe 20/21: PS-Introduction to Cultural Studies: The Middle Ages on Screen

Margitta Rouse

Kommentar

In this course we will discuss a variety of medieval-themed films produced over the course of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The films discussed, some of them well-known, others less, include: ‘Joan the Woman’ (1916), ‘The Seventh Seal’ (1957), ‘Braveheart’ (1995), ‘The Thirteenth Warrior’ (1999), and ‘Beowulf’ (2007). Further films will be chosen in class. Our discussions will focus on the ways in which different kinds of middle ages are projected onto the screen. What political, aesthetic, social etc. ideas on the middle ages do the filmmakers construct and rely on, and what images of the present do such ideas purport? What do researchers of medieval-themed films have to say on such questions; and in which ways have the interests of professional students of film changed over time – or perhaps stayed the same? How does viewing films from the perspective of cultural studies differ from watching them for entertainment?

Please note: This course is taught online only. There will be WebEx screenings of the films, but you may of course watch them independently. Both our films and secondary criticism will be discussed in weekly WebEx meetings; it is therefore helpful if you have access to a stable internet connection in a quiet environment during seminar times, and if you use a headset and a webcam. You will document your active participation is this class by completing a number of short written tasks which you hand in online during the semester. More detailed information on this class can be found at the start of the semester on the Blackboard course site.

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