However, unlike books, feature films and documentaries are usually ignored by academics, and thus denied the critical scrutiny they deserve. When used, they are often treated as supplementary material, interesting but peripheral. This course will examine the ways in which Pacific Islanders have been portrayed in film and video. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate what they view in class and to think about the forces that influence the production of certain narratives and images and the impact of film and video on the popular imagination. Readings that challenge or complement the views and biases of the filmmakers, material from other media, and guest speakers are an integral part of the course.
Attendance is compulsory.
All students are expected to attend the class or screening each week. Those who miss class without a valid reason should not expect to do well in this category. Students will be required to record their reactions to five of the films screened in class. Each reaction paper should be about three pages long. See me no later than the third week if this is an option you wish to pursue.