English 190

Other Readings and Media

Graham Greene, The Third Man; James M. Cain, Double Indemnity; Dashiell Hammet, The Maltese Falcon; Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep; Raymond Chandler, The Long Goodbye; Alain Silver and James Orsini, Film Noir Reader

Description

An introduction to a gloomy set of films from the late 40s (mostly), set in a dark American (mostly) dream world suffused with war hangover, erotic bewilderment, lethal and uninhibited (but intriguing) menaces, and demented fantasies of innocence. We’ll watch a film every Tuesday evening (including the first one), discuss it briefly as soon as it’s finished, then return on Thursday and the next Tuesday in regular class session to discuss it in greater depth. We will also read five novels upon which three of the films we’ll watch are based, and critical essays from The Film Noir Reader. These will also be discussed during Tuesday and Thursday class sessions. Once a week, a panel of students will present several thoughts and queries concerning that week’s film to get discussion going. Two ten-page essays will be required, along with regular attendance and participation.

English 190 replaces English 100 and 150 as of Fall ’09. English majors may fulfill the seminar requirement for the major by taking one section of English 190 (or by having taken either English 100 or 150 before Fall ’09). Please read the paragraph on page 2 of this Announcement of Classes for more details about enrolling in or wait-listing for this course!