Iran has been lauded as one of the great exporters of cinema during the last two decades. During this time, Iranian films have won countless international awards and enjoyed great reviews. Through the analysis of movies, the history of Iranian cinema, cinematic criticism, and historical texts, this course helps students understand the process of social change in that society and the ways such changes influence the production of art.
Students watch a variety of movies and read analytical and theoretical writings on cinema all placed in their social and historical contexts. Particular attention will be paid to issues such as gender, modernization, nationalism, class struggle, and ideological enunciations. The course will try to conceptualize past cinematic movements in order to understand how Iranian cinema has gained its current status. Assignments include weekly reports on the movies and readings, class participation, and a term paper.