THEA 646 (GENERAL ELECTIVE): Media Theory and Criticism

This course covers the philosophical, aesthetic, and social issues that are central to media theory and practice.

While tracing the historical development of film theory beginning with thinkers in the period of early cinema the course

will discuss  later theorists, such as Jean Mitry, Sergei Eisenstein, Dziga Vertov, Siegfried Kracauer, Walter Benjamin,

Andre Bazin, and Christian Metz in a critical manner reflecting current media practice. Screening of selected movies will

underscore current debates on evolving medium and the developing theoretical discussion.