107-037 Film and the Body

Usually 12.5 points of first-year cinema studies.

This course examines representations of the body in film and critical visual theory. It explores the relationship between desire, fantasy and the body as well as different forms of the body such as the macho, queer, S & M, tattooed, erotic, suffering, cyborg, abject and post-human body. Students should become familiar with the history and origins of the various body forms in Hollywood and in a range of other cinematic traditions. They should also be familiar with theories of the body in writing about cinema and have an understanding of debates surrounding the body in film.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

A class paper, an essay and a take-home examination totalling 4000 words.