SPAN 325: Hispanic Cinema
Course Description:
This course will examine the multiple ways that Hispanic and Brazilian filmmakers have seen Hispanic world, its people, religious beliefs and cultures for more than a century. This course provides the student with a range of perspectives on cultural developments in Spain, Brazil, Latin America and the Caribbean from the colonial to the modern period, using critical and literary texts as well as films. Taught in English.
This course will examine the multiple ways that Hispanic and Brazilian filmmakers have seen Hispanic world, its people, religious beliefs and cultures for more than a century. This course provides the student with a range of perspectives on cultural developments in Spain, Brazil, Latin America and the Caribbean from the colonial to the modern period, using critical and literary texts as well as films. Taught in English.
Course reflection:
This was taught by Dr. Christine Fernández, I can honestly say that was the major reason why I took this class as I had already completed all the requirements for the major. It was my last semester and I wanted to take a fun class with one of my favorite professors so, Why not a Hispanic Cinema class, we are just going to watch movies right? But it was way more than just watching movies. It was very interesting to see the historical contexts of the films the motives, the reception. I learned that through the cinematic arts it can also promote social awareness or also a form of protests. Before I didn't know what the aesthetics of a film where now to my understanding it is the art of a film that helps get the main idea across through visuals, music color, movement, camera shots etc. Dr. Fernandez gave is readings and articles that helped us understand more in depth the film. I really enjoyed the class discussions and forums because I got to see everyones perspective. We say films like ROMA (2018), Pan's Labyrinth (2006), Tambien la lluvia (2010), Motorcycle Dairies(2004), Women of the Verge of a Breakdown (1988), Bolivar soy Yo (2002), Fresas y Chocolate(1993), Un cien andalou (1929), ¡Que Viva México! (1979) and we watched an impactful documentary Chile Obstinante Memory(1977). Dr. Fernández had us work in groups and analyze a film studied in class. My group analyzed Alfonso Cuaron's ROMA film. Due to Covid-19 we were unable to present in class. However; we were able to record our presentation via ZOOM. Please take a look at our presentation down below. This presentation helped me understand more in depth the aesthetics of the film which made me appreciate Cuaron's work even more.
This was taught by Dr. Christine Fernández, I can honestly say that was the major reason why I took this class as I had already completed all the requirements for the major. It was my last semester and I wanted to take a fun class with one of my favorite professors so, Why not a Hispanic Cinema class, we are just going to watch movies right? But it was way more than just watching movies. It was very interesting to see the historical contexts of the films the motives, the reception. I learned that through the cinematic arts it can also promote social awareness or also a form of protests. Before I didn't know what the aesthetics of a film where now to my understanding it is the art of a film that helps get the main idea across through visuals, music color, movement, camera shots etc. Dr. Fernandez gave is readings and articles that helped us understand more in depth the film. I really enjoyed the class discussions and forums because I got to see everyones perspective. We say films like ROMA (2018), Pan's Labyrinth (2006), Tambien la lluvia (2010), Motorcycle Dairies(2004), Women of the Verge of a Breakdown (1988), Bolivar soy Yo (2002), Fresas y Chocolate(1993), Un cien andalou (1929), ¡Que Viva México! (1979) and we watched an impactful documentary Chile Obstinante Memory(1977). Dr. Fernández had us work in groups and analyze a film studied in class. My group analyzed Alfonso Cuaron's ROMA film. Due to Covid-19 we were unable to present in class. However; we were able to record our presentation via ZOOM. Please take a look at our presentation down below. This presentation helped me understand more in depth the aesthetics of the film which made me appreciate Cuaron's work even more.