This course examines the construction of sexual difference in a range of French films from the silent era and the Golden Age of classical French cinema to the 1990s. Focusing on key moments in France s cultural, social and political history, participants will consider how discourses on sexuality have evolved throughout the 20th century and investigate the ways in which film culture has reflected, reinforced, reshaped and, in some instances, vigorously contested France s dominant gender ideology and the institutional arrangements it supports. The inclusion of several films dealing with other Francophone countries will also allow students to address issues of sexual identity formation in colonial and postcolonial contexts. It is essential that all participants prepare course readings for the assigned day and come to class ready to analyze and debate issues raised by subject matter studied outside of class.
All assignments are due on date noted on the course schedule.
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