HIS 245 - Reel History: African Americans and Film (1)

This course examines how Black Americans have historically been represented in American film from the early 20^th century through the first part of the 21^st century. We will explore how Hollywood has depicted Black Americans, and race relations in the U.S., as well as how independent Black filmmakers such as Oscar Micheaux, Julie Dash, Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, and others have sought to revise and critique white constructions of blackness. We will investigate how African American filmmakers, actors, and actresses have dealt with the contradictions of a film industry that has historically marginalized their contributions even as it has contributed to the proliferation of images of blackness, shaping public perceptions of American race relations. From the earliest beginnings of American cinema, Black directors, actors and actresses, musicians, dancers, film critics, and audiences have fought for inclusion and equal representation-on film, behind the camera, in the Hollywood community, and as filmgoers. An independent Black cinema emerged and evolved with its own aesthetic and film criticism. We will view a number of films from different eras and genres, including the so-called “race pictures” of Oscar Micheaux, Hollywood Black-cast musicals, social “problem” dramas of the interwar and post-war decades, “Blaxploitation” films of the post-Civil Rights era, and more recent arthouse contributions. In addition to regular film screenings, there will be a large amount of required course readings. Prerequisite: First-year writing course (FYW)
(Humanities) (Intercultural Literacy Intensive)