In English 345, we will concentrate on films that portray the relationship between humans and technology. Our investigation of the visual language filmmakers use to represent technology will involve formal analysis of narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound. However, we will go beyond formal analysis to address the historical, social, and ideological contexts at play in films about technology. Throughout the quarter, we will question how films about technology both draw on and shape contemporary cultural notions of technology. The first part of the course focuses on films depicting the promise of technology. The second explores critiques of technology and technological societies, and the third analyzes the cyborg and other meldings of human and machine.

Students in the course work toward several goals: learning how to read film both formally and contextually and developing as critical thinkers and writers. Course activities promote active learning, with most class sessions including a mix of mini-lectures, discussion, and group work. My role is to provide the tools and resources you will need to advance your own thinking and writing. I will pose questions, design activities to help you think through these questions, and respond to your ideas. Your role is to do the hard work—the critical reading, discussion, and writing. You will analyze films, generate ideas in electronic and face-to-face discussions, verbally analyze a film clip, and construct written arguments.