ARAB 465. Arabic Cinema

This course provides an introduction to the history of Arabic cinema from its inception at the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. Films are chosen for their artistic qualities and their cultural content. Students will be acquainted with contemporary Arabic culture through the study of a number of films from various Arabic countries. The focus will be on the relation of these films to important elements of the history, societies, cultures and literatures of the Arabic-speaking world. Some films are based on novels or novellas; students will compare these literary works and their visual interpretation in the films. Films will be analyzed in terms of their social, political and intellectual contexts. Prerequisite: ARAB 300  or permission of instructor.