Goals:
Students will deeply engage with the oeuvre of the three selected directors and will be able to contextualize it within the historical and political events of Cuba, Brazil, and Chile, as well as the main continental cultural trends.
Other goals for the course are:
- Learn about technologies for the study and investigation of Latin American filmmakers.
- Develop a vast vocabulary regarding film language in order to analyze both the aesthetics and film production processes.
- Analyze and critique media representations that either reproduce or challenge notions of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, etc.
- Create the conditions for productive and ethical group work.
Methodology:
Every session revolves around one feature length movie or a selection of short films. There are assigned articles that cover the history and genealogy of the films, theoretical frameworks for their study, and cultural background. Every session will include a combination of these elements:
- Film screenings
- Brief contextualizations
- Students’ presentations
- Post-screening discussions
- Guest speakers
The use of laptops, tablets, and cellphones is allowed to take notes and for the students’ presentations
Assignments:
- Film Diary: Students will post blogs every week on their experiences and reflections of the films that we watch in class. Due date: Every Monday before class at 11.59 pm
- Students’ Presentations: Students will select one session to guide the post-screening discussion. This includes a brief introduction/contextualization of the film and a series of reflections/questions for the class.
- Course Website: Students will be responsible for populating the course website with an archive of resources for the study of the three selected directors. Due date May 11 at 11.59 pm
- Final Paper: Student will write a 10/12-page double-space final paper on one of the topics discussed in class using the bibliography for the course and other sources of information. Students can also opt for an alternative multimedia format for the final paper. Due date: May 19 at 11.59 pm
Assessment:
- Participation 10%
- Course Website (resources for research): 20%
- Film Diary: 20%
- Students’s presentations 20%
- Final Paper 30%
Late submissions are accepted but there will be a 5% penalty.
The use of generative AI is allowed for initial phases of the research, but the final version of the paper/post must be original, cohesive, and academically rigorous (this includes proper quotations and bibliography).
Rubric:
Outstanding work receives an A; outstanding work far exceeds what is expected (superior).
A+ = 97, A = 93, A- = 90
Excellent work receives a B; excellent work exceeds what is expected (above average).
B+ = 87, B = 83, B- = 80
Good work receives a C; good work basically meets expectations (average).
C+ = 77, C = 73, C- = 70
Acceptable work receives a D; acceptable work is not particularly good but is not failing (below average).
D+ = 67, D = 63, D- = 60
Unacceptable work receives an F; unacceptable work demonstrates poor effort and/or understanding (failing).
F = 59 and below
Course Policies and campus resources:
ATENDANCE: Attendance is mandatory. A low attendance will result in a difference of one full letter grade toward the final grade. Absences might be excused if they are discussed with the instructor and students can provide the necessary documentation.
Students participating in an officially sanctioned, scheduled University extracurricular activity will be given the opportunity to make up class assignments or other graded assignments missed as a result of their participation. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements—prior to the absence—for making up missed work.
STUDENTS SUPPORT: Hunter will be loaning laptops to students and offering other types of aid including mobile hotspot devices, mobile food pantries, emergency funding, and more. Click on this link to know more about it: https://hunter.cuny.edu/students/health-wellness/emergency-support-resources/
DISABILITY SERVICES: In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities (Emotional, Medical, Physical, and/or Learning) consult the Office of Accessibility located in Room E1124 to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information and assistance, please call (212) 772-4857/TTY (212) 650-3230. If you have registered with the Office of Accessibility, please let me know at the start of the term.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE: Religiously observant students wishing to be absent on holidays that require missing class should notify their instructor in writing at the beginning of the semester and should discuss with their instructor, in advance, acceptable ways of making up any work missed because of the absence.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT: Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.
HUNTER COLLEGE POLICY ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Hunter College reaffirms the prohibition of any sexual misconduct, which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain intimate relationships. Students who have experienced any form of sexual violence on or off campus (including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are entitled to the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights for Hunter College.
- Sexual Violence: Students are strongly encouraged to immediately report the incident by calling 911, contacting NYPD Special Victims Division Hotline (646- 610-7272) or their local police precinct, or contacting the College’s Public Safety Office (212-772-4444).
- All Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct: Students are also encouraged to contact the College’s Title IX Campus Coordinator, Dean John Rose ([email protected] or 212-650-3262) or Colleen Barry ([email protected] or 212-772-4534) and seek complimentary services through the Counseling and Wellness Services Office, Hunter East 1123.
CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct Link: http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/la/Policy-on-Sexual-Misconduct-12-1-14-with-links.pdf
Rockowitz Writing Center:
The Rockowitz Writing Center offers students help with their writing at every stage of the writing process. You can make an appointment for a live video session at: hunter.mywconline.com.
Counseling and Wellness Services:
Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) is another campus resource and service center for all matriculated students that is operating remotely for counseling services at no cost to all Hunter students. You can make an appointment at: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/studentservices/counseling-and-wellness.
