CTAT 235 - International Cinema [GEGA]

An exploration of cinema produced in other countries, including essential films, directors, and production systems; an introduction to the study of international films by analyzing their influence on film history, investigating important cultural issues and the depiction of those issues, and comparing films of other nations to US cinema.

Credit 3 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall and Winter

Film is one of the most dominant, influential, and message intensive art forms of the past 100 years. Knowledge of international cinema allows for students to use moving pictures as a catalyst to critique social and cultural issues in different cultures and investigate how history has changed nations and shaped the world.

In this course, students will learn the major motion pictures made in a variety of countries and will become familiar with the important cinematic movements from each country, including the most influential directors. They will develop the critical skills necessary to evaluate international films from a historical perspective and compare them to the dominant American cinematic style. Finally, they will learn to evaluate the messages within a motion picture and its success in using visual design, narrative structure, language, music, and performance to create an effective and meaningful cinematic experience that speaks to cultural and social issues of that nation’s cinema both in history and contemporarily. Students will learn how international films can be used to investigate global perspectives on world history, political systems, and national issues within specific countries. As the number of international film productions increases, these skills are an important part of any student’s global perspectives knowledge. As such, CTAT 235 International Cinema satisfies the Global Awareness area of the General Education program.
Notes -
Updates Gen Ed Approval 12/2011, effective Winter 2012; New Course 06/2011, effective Fall 2011

Winter 2025 Course Sections

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