FILM 310 – The Mediterranean- An Introduction Through Cinema

Through a selection of classic and recent films in Italian, French, and Arabic, this course introduces to the diverse cultural, historical, and religious traditions of the Mediterranean region. Through the study of classic films such as Jacques Feyder’s L’Atlantide, Gillo Pontecorvo’s The Battle of Algiers, and Chadi Abdel Salem’s The Mummy, students will develop their interdisciplinary research skills and lay the foundations for the practice of working across African, Asian, and European studies. The study of fundamental texts such as the Bible and the Qur’an will serve as a point of departure for our reflection on the interconnected histories of the Arab, French, and Italian societies in the global age. Focusing on the development of cinema, this course will also trace connections with the development of opera and literature. Likewise, it will open interpretative paths on relevant contemporary issues such as migration, climate change, and conflict in the Mediterranean region.

Course Objectives

• Familiarize with the historical traditions of 19th and 20th century Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with a focus on Italy, France, Algeria, Egypt and Lebanon.
• Develop critical perspectives on the main social and cultural developments and dynamics in the Mediterranean region, with awareness of how they relate to different national and broader global contexts.
• Familiarize with the Mediterranean and its environment, physical features, cities, and spatial contexts, together with the relevant human aspects and the major cultural features of its societies.
• Develop critical skills in the study of authored works in cinema and literature, with awareness of the media employed by the author/director, the analysis of stylistic features, and how they relate to the cultural/social context of production.