Topics in German Film History and Theory: Film Theory / Theory Films

What is film? How does it produce meaning? What is cinematic "realism? Is film a language, and if so, of what sort? If we "read" films what is meant by "cinematic literacy"? In what sense is cinema political? Can films be philosophical and, if so, how? What is an "essay film"? Is there such a thing as "responsible" or "critical" viewing? In order to answer these and many other questions of increasing urgency for our media culture, this seminar will examine a wide range of canonical and contemporary works of film theory and aesthetics, which will be discussed in relation to weekly screenings of narrative, documentary and avant-garde films.