TAIA236: Film Noir

This course is intended to provide terminology, theory and historical context for the study of film noir. It is intended as a course for the serious explorations of genre topics in film studies that elevates film commentary and the student above exercises in entertainment escapism. It is an academic project intended to give the student a more-than-surface understanding of film noir. The readings are at times difficult, the film viewing interpretive, and the work assigned penetrating. While the readings in the text are theoretical and difficult, they will help to put film noir in context. Please note that this course focuses on your ability to comprehend difficult essays, respond to difficult research questions in a rigorous academic manner, and present these responses cogently.