FILM 217 History of Science Fiction Film

Science fiction movies have entertained us, frightened us, and made us think of all kinds of possible problems and opportunities in the universe. This course will look at the history of such films and will include some of the underlying themes about society and politics. We will watch, discuss, and research some of the most serious - and some of the silliest - sci-fi films produced.

Credits

3

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Establish a definition of science fiction.
   
2. 2. Identify running themes in science fiction films.
3. 3. Place science fiction films into the context of the culture, politics and values of the times in
   which they were produced.
4. 4. Discuss the directors’ use of mise-en-scène and revolutionary camera angles.
   
5. 5. Analyze some of the editing techniques used in classic science fiction films.
6. 6. Distinguish different cinematic styles and genres developed over the span of science fiction
   films.
7. 7. Compare and contrast key elements in film authorship, genre, ideology and theory.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Establish a definition of science fiction.
   
2. 2. Identify running themes in science fiction films.
3. 3. Place science fiction films into the context of the culture, politics and values of the times in
   which they were produced.
4. 4. Discuss the directors’ use of mise-en-scène and revolutionary camera angles.
   
5. 5. Analyze some of the editing techniques used in classic science fiction films.
6. 6. Distinguish different cinematic styles and genres developed over the span of science fiction
   films.
7. 7. Compare and contrast key elements in film authorship, genre, ideology and theory.