107-086 City as Film: Baroque Spectacle and Theme Park Attractions

Note

Availability

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

see Prerequisites

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject is taught in the United States during a 21-day study tour. The subject is concerned with exploring ways in which the cinema is becoming an integral feature of the 'contemporary city as spectacle'. The focus will be on key spectacle cities of the U.S. - Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, and the primary model of analysis will be the theme park and its connections with the film tradition, though we will also be looking at entertainment cities as embodied in casinos. The cinematic and spectacular features will be tested against postmodern arguments concerned with the 'empty spectacle' of our postmodern era. Sites to be visited will include, Disneyland/ Disneyworld, Universal Studios, Hollywood picture palaces, the Luxor Casino, Caesar's Palace, the MGM, Paramount studios, and Coney Island.

Assessment

One paper, a close analysis exercise, and a take-home exam totalling 8000 words for 3rd year; 10,000 words for 4th year.

Prescribed Texts

A course reader will be available