TFM 363: INTERNATIONAL CINEMA

Instructor: Peter James Cirino

Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 2:00 to 3:00 or by appointment DA207
Contact: pcirino@mail.sdsu.edu Phone: 619-729-5549
Required Text: Robert Jordans International Cinema

Objectives: In this class you will discover a wide spectrum of international cinema and
the movements that sparked future filmmakers. You will be able to understand a broad
range of global cultures that create cinema from their own distinct perspectives.
Additionally you will build a lexicon of knowledge of the movements and artistry of
international cinema.
Assignments: Four quizzes will be given during the semester. The questions will be
taken from lectures and readings and films. Dates are in the syllabus.
Outside Class Requirement: You must purchase a season pass for the three theatre
productions during the fall semester and one TFM film festival. Proof of purchase must
be emailed to the GA and must be purchased by September 22, 2015. If you purchase
the season pass we will receive a list so no other proof is needed. The three film
productions are

Fall Best of the Best Film Fest Sept 14, 15

Blood at the Root September 30- October 9

Julius Caesar - October 1-November 13

Jesus Christ Superstar - December 1-December 4

Fall Emerging Filmmakers Showcase December 21

Attendance: At random, attendance will be taken in class. It may be at the beginning or

at the end of class.

Schedule

A required reading.
http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/25/magazine/the-decay-of-cinema.html?
pagewanted=all&src=pm
August 30th Introduction: International Cinema.
German Cinema

Metropolis-in class showing

Article in Jordan text

The Marriage of Maria Braun

Article in Jordan Text

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

Article in Jordan Text

September 6th
French Cinema

Breathless in class showing

Article in Jordan text

The Grand Illusion

Article in Jordan Text

La Femme Nikita
http://lfnforever.tripod.com/id141.htm

September 13th
Italian Cinema

The Bicycle Thief in class showing

Article in Jordan text

8 1/2
Refer to Article in Jordan

September 20th
Latin American Cinema
Amorres Perros-in class showing

http://nymag.com/nymetro/movies/reviews/4547/

The Colors of the Mountain- in class showing

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/movies/the-colors-of-the-mountain-set-in-colombia-
review.html?_r=0

http://colorsofthemountainbookreview.blogspot.com/2011/03/analysis-of-colors-of-
mountain.html

L'AGE D'OR (THE GOLDEN AGE)

http://www.actingoutpolitics.com/bunuel-lage-dor-1930/

September 27nd Quiz #1 on German, Latin America, French and Italian Cinema

October 4th Asian Cinema

Japanese
Rashomon- in class showing
Refer to article in Jordan Text

Battle Royale
http://www.midnighteye.com/interviews/kinji-fukasaku/

October 11th
Hong Kong
The Killer- in class showing
Refer to article in Jordan Text

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/apr/22/killer-book-john-woo/

Anime
Ghost in the Shell
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/oct/19/hollywood-ghost-in-the-shell

October 18th
Russian (Soviet) Cinema
The Battleship Potemkin* in class showing
Article in Jordan Text

October 25th Quiz #2 on Asian and Russian Cinema

November 1st
Australian Cinema

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert-in class showing

http://www.out.com/entertainment/movies/2014/10/10/adventures-priscilla-queen-
desert-20th-anniversary

November 8th
Indian Cinema
The Three Idiots- in class showing
Article in Jordan text

Rang De Basanti
https://sites.google.com/site/participatorydemocracyproject/case-studies/rang-de-
basanti-and-flash-activism

Pyaasa
http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jun/23dinesh.htm

November 15th
Nordic Cinema
Wild Strawberries- in class showing
http://ingmarbergman.se/en/production/wild-strawberries

My Life as Dog
http://zoominanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-life-as-dog-mitt-liv-som-hund.html?m=1

November 22th Quiz #3 on Indian, Australian and Nordic Cinema

November 29th Middle East Cinema

Where do we go now? - In class showing
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/where-do-we-go-now-asks-nadine-labaki
Paradise Now
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/reviews/paradisenow.html

December 6th African Cinema

Mama Africa: Growing Up Urban- in class showing

http://sensesofcinema.com/2000/8/african/

Tuesday December 13th 4-6pm Quiz#4 on Middle East and African Cinema

EXTRA CREDIT: Register to vote up and earn twenty-five points on any single giving
item in the syllabus. Please send an email with proof of voter registration from the
county registrar of your specific county. Send it to the GA. If you cannot register to vote
you may volunteer for one hour with any on campus student group that is of a political
nature and have them send an email to the GA. Also additional extra credit will be
provided throughout the semester.

Student Disability Services:

If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this
class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473.
To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student
Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not
retroactive, and that I cannot provide accommodations based upon disability until I have
received cooperation is appreciated.

Improper Behavior: All cheating will be reported to the dean of student affairs.
Violence or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. If you are removed from the
classroom, the incident will be reported and I reserve the right to drop you from the
course.
Technology in Class: Please set electronic devices on silent before each film begins.
During lectures you may connect, use all devices you may need.

Grading
Quizzes 400 points
 Plays and Film Festivals /Participation 400 points

A+ 800 to 774

A 773 to 748

A- 747 to 722

B+ 721 to 696

B 695 to 644

B- 643 to 618

C+ 617 to 592

C 591 to 566

C- 565 to 540

D+ 539 to 514

D 513 to 488

D- 487 to 462