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Cinema Futures

People

Lee K. B.

Course director

Description

Course goals

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive survey of various contemporary forces that are shaping the future of cinema, as found in technology, industry, culture and art.

Course relevance

For the last 120 years, cinema has held a dominant positon as a creative and entertainment medium, a cultural institution, and an audiovisual language for understanding ourselves and our world. How will cinema’s significance evolve in the years to come? This course explores various contemporary phenomena that are shaping what we know as cinema. Such phenomena include social media and personal digital technologies; expanded sites of cinema including museums, galleries and urban spaces; streaming media and gaming platforms; and VR / AR. How does the traditional experience of cinematic spectacle on a big screen influence - and become influenced by - new forms of interactive, performative, and networked media, that have moved from the fringes into the mainstream of mediated life and entertainment? How will new developments change our understanding of cinema and its role in our lives?

Teaching approach and methods

This course will present a range of contemporary film, video and digital media to explore how they engage technological innovations that enable new creative possibilities, expose shifting dynamics in creative institution, and industries, and engage topics and social issues that may define the future. Key theoretical approaches to new cinematic and post-cinematic forms will also be presented. The course involves weekly screenings, discussions of readings, and a final exam.

Enrollment and attendance

Classes consist of lectures and discussions that are connected to screenings and readings. Attendance is required. Absences have to be justified in writing (to [email protected]).

Assignments and exam

There will be a comprehensive multiple choice final exam. Students will keep a journal for the class. This journal is a collection of five short reflections (1-3 pages each). Each reflection should be about a specific lesson. In other words, your five reflections should be about five different lessons. Respond to the topics of the lesson and if possible, relate them to your own experiences outside the class.

One journal entry must report on a visit to a local cinema in Lugano or Mendrisio. Details will be discussed in class.

Evaluation and grading

 Each student will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Final exam - 70%
  • Journal - 30%

Teaching material and required readings

Lectures will consist of slides and viewing materials. Reading materials will be available on the learning platform.

Education