B Movies from Aliens to Zombies
	Jerome Tagher

See other courses taught by Jérôme Tagher

Presentation
Giant spiders, huge lizards, aliens, space ships dangsling from a visible nylon string, zombies, stray comets, blobs, brains, death rays, dinosaurs… Our species has many a time been threatened in film. Fortunately for us, mere earthlings, none of this has happened so far. It is a fact however that the face of the Earth has forever been changed, not by monsters, but by monster movies. The aim of this course is to provide students with a better knowledge of the major landmarks in the short history of this highly creative and prolific genre, as welle as its role in making the film industry into what it is today.

Teaching objectives
To introduce students to the main B movie themes, in an historic context. To give an overview of the most influential directors, actors and sponsors of thie genre. To study the social, economic and artistic impact of B movies.

Format
One meeting weekly of 3 hours during 7 weeks.

Course content
Viewing of films or key scenes from films. Insights into the backgrounds of the film or group of films, and the people involved in their making. Study of the short term and long term impact of these films.

Teaching Methods
Short lectures on a given subject. In-class screenings of films, or key scenes. Popen-floor discussions about the studied topics.

Individual work
Active participation in class. Students will interview the person of their choice about that person's work and then write it up in the style of their choice (narrative, poem, fiction, etc.).Students will be required to keep a journal which they will use to write an outcome paper.

Evaluation
Class participation. "Working" paper. Outcome paper.

Recommended Level
This course is designed for students of all levels.

See other courses taught by Jérôme Tagher

last updated May 31, 2003

back to top