EGL 228 Classics and Mythology in Popular Culture

This course presents a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary examination of the meaning and value of such myths as those of the creation, the flood, and the hero, and their depiction in literature, art, film, and music from the ancient past to the present. Students will acquire an understanding of the uses of mythical themes and archetypes both in ancient art and literature as well as in modern art, literature, and film. Course work includes assigned readings, film screenings, informal journals, a formal paper and exams. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

EGL 240 Themes in Science Fiction in Film and Literature

An exploration of how writers of science fiction have used science and technology to examine moral questions, social issues and the boundaries of technology. Readings of selected authors will focus on the ways creative writers have explored various aspects of the genre, including scientific experimentation, alternate time/space continuum, weaponry, psychic phenomena, cyberspace, bionics, alien life and the future. The class will also view cinematic adaptations of the selected works to examine whether/how the change of medium affects the emphasis and impact of the work and how visualization and special effects affect the audience's perception. Course work includes assigned readings, film screenings, informal journals, and formal papers. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

EGL 244 Classics of Supernatural Film and Literature

This course engages students in the principle forms of artistic expression integral to classic works of supernatural literature and their cinematic adaptations. Students will acquire an understanding of the creative process inherent in these works, an understanding of the literary and cinematic conventions of the genre and will also develop a critical vocabulary that will allow them to discuss and to evaluate these works and others in depth. Cinematic adaptations of these works in particular follow the evolution of the cinema itself; thus students in this course will also gain a critical understanding of its aesthetic and technological development. This course will also focus on film composition, including the shots, angles, iconography and editing typical of this genre. Course work includes assigned readings, informal and formal papers requiring primary and secondary research, critical analysis of required screenings, and exams. Students will be required to attend and to complete critical analyses of campus and off-campus theatrical screenings as they are scheduled. Note: Students cannot get credit for EGL 244 and 244W; EGL 244W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Note: Offered at the discretion of the English Department Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

EGL 266 Fantasy in Literature and Film

Fantasy in Literature and Film examines not only the oldest literary genre but one that continues to fascinate readers old and young and to inspire some of the most innovative and technically sophisticated films. Works of fantasy overlap other genres: myth, fairy tales, epic sagas, tales of the grotesque, juvenilia, adventure stories, and some science fiction. However, fantasy is the study of what can never actually be real, that is, what we dream about or can only imagine. Readings include traditional works of fantasy from the earliest recorded texts as well as beloved children's and young adult "classics" of this genre. Film adaptations as well as original films in this genre will also be analyzed and critiqued. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

EGL 308 The City In Literature, Art, Film and Theatre

This course examines depictions and interpretations of the city through literature, film, theatre, photography, painting, sculpture and architecture. Initially, the focus will be on New York City, although subsequent semesters, it may extend to other major world cities such as London, Paris, Rome, or Athens. Students will gain an understanding of the aesthetic value of the different art forms as well as develop the critical vocabulary to help them evaluate the various literary and artistic works. Course work includes assigned readings, field trips to museums in New York City, and extensive use of audio-visual material. Both informal writing (response journals) and more formal papers, including a research paper utilizing primary research (photographs, maps, interviews with artists, slides etc.) and secondary critical and/or historical studies will be required. Note: Students cannot get credit for EGL 308 and 308W; EGL 308W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Note: Offered at the discretion of the English Department Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

HIS 322 American History through Film

This history course explores the relationship between historical interpretation and representation through feature films and historical writing. Students analyze key themes, myths, and issues in the American experience by analyzing and contrasting cinematic constructions with written historical texts. The themes studied in this class include the frontier West and rugged individualism, the immigrant experience, the American Dream and assimilation cultural conflict and conquest, war and democratic freedom technological progress and morality, youth and rebellion, power and personality, race and equality, and social change, class and intolerance. Prerequisite(s): HIS 121 or HIS 122 or HIS 125 or Approval of department Chair.

HIS 342 The History of Television

Despite the recent emergence of new communication technologies, television arguably remains the most powerful and important form of communication today--a medium that influences and shapes our views of ourselves and our outlooks on the world. Television helps to bind us together through shared cultural distortions of our social experiences and relations and yet divides us over its short- and- long-term effects, both national and global. This course explores American culture during the post World War II period through an analysis of the history of television from its origins in radio to its future in digital media. It examines television's role in both reflecting and constituting American society through a variety of analytical approaches. The course topics include the structure, economics and dynamics of the television industry, the role of television within American democracy, the variety of television genres, television as a site of gender and racial identity formation, television's role in everyday life, and the medium's technological and social impacts. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level or higher HIS or POL course.

MLG 300 International Cinema

Selected international films will be viewed, analyzed, and discussed in terms of their historical, social, political, and economic context as well as for their aesthetic value. Readings, lectures, and class discussions are organized to teach coherency in reading filmic works. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

MLG 301 Italian Cinema (In English)

Representative Italian films, from the post-war and Neorealism to the present, will be viewed, analyzed and discussed. Films are selected to provide a broad historical and social perspective as seen through the artistic vision of individual directors. The course will be conducted in English and all films have English subtitles. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

MLG 302 Spanish and Latin American Cinema

In this course, representative Spanish and Latin American movies that cover periods from Romanticism to contemporary times will be analyzed, viewed and discussed. Films will be chosen to discuss social, philosophical, political and identity problems as well as its interpretation according to the artistic vision and directors' achievements and goals. Theory and history of film genres of Spain and Latin America cinema will be studied. The course will be conducted in English and all movies have English subtitles. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

MLG 318 Italy: From Text to Film

This course will introduce the student to key topics within Italian culture as explored through Italian cinema and literature. Students will analyze narrative devices that tell a story, from the use of various styles of prose in written works to camera angles, editing techniques, and music in film. Through in-class readings of textual and cinematic expressions, including their theoretical background, students will learn to articulate both literary and cinematic criticism. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

MLG 324 Italian Horror Films: Sex, Murder and Social Criticism

Italian horror films escape easy classification, but offer a glimpse into the cultural, economic, and political anxieties which inspired their directors. Characterized by carefully crafted soundtracks, non-sensical plots, saturated with color, violence, and nudity, these movies are cultural artifacts that invite profound reflections on issues of gender discrimination, economic inequality, racism and even anti-colonial criticism. During the semester students will acquire and sharpen analytical and critical skills that will allow them to dissect, eviscerate, analyze, and "take a stab" at interpreting Italian, and American societies. As a 300 level class, students are expected to complete weekly assignments which include writing short reflection essays, and reading scholarly articles. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

POL 393 Politics and Popular Culture

This course examines the influence of popular culture on political identity within the United States and across the globe. The relationship between the U.S. entertainment industry and the political system will be explored, while the second half of the course will focus on the impact of global popular culture on international relations. Various forms of pop culture will be addressed, including but not limited to: film, television, music, video games, novels, comics, political cartoons, jokes, blogging, fads, and fashion. NOTE: Students cannot earn credit for POL 393 and POL 393*D POL 393*D can be used to fulfill the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice requirement. Prerequisite(s): Any 200-level or higher HIS, POL or GEO course.

SOC 253 Black Popular Cultures

This course examines the development of Black popular cultures in the 20th and 21st century in the United States. Through close readings of text, music, and film, students will discuss the historical roots, current manifestations, and diversity within Black cultures. Topics may include but are not limited to the Black church, the Harlem Renaissance, Hip-Hop, the commodification of Black culture, sororities and fraternities, stepping, drag balls/ballroom, and sexual subcultures. NOTE: Students cannot earn credit for SOC 253 and SOC 253*D SOC 253*D can be used to fulfill the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101 and Any Sociology Course

STS 310 Surveillance Technology in Cinema

This course examines the issues raised by cinematic representations of the use of surveillance technology and their implications to our global society. Through critical analysis of assigned screenings and readings, you will explore the ways in which film has represented the global surveillance culture that in recent years has increasingly become part of the public consciousness. Prerequisite(s): Junior Status in the STS program.

STS 320 Technology and Humanity in Cinema

This course examines the issues surrounding cinema’s portrayals of the impact that scientific and technological progress have upon humanity. Through critical analysis of assigned screenings and readings, students will explore the ways in which film articulates the shifting conception of what it means to be human in a world increasingly defined by our relationship with technology. Prerequisite(s): Junior Status in STS program.