The Art Institute of Boston

at Lesley College

Fall, 1999

Kevin Cassell

In this course we will examine "Masculinity" and masculinities in contemporary film. We will look closely at how a number of critically acclaimed films have drawn much of their narrative force from the tensions implicit in the shifting terrains of gender and sexuality, paying particular attention to what these films suggest about dominant or traditional ideals of manhood. We will explore as well how each film's treatment of things "Masculine" reflects broader ideological constructions of gender that inform and often determine certain attitudes and behaviors in our society.

This course will meet once every two weeks for three hours (3:20-6:20). Since there are a limited number of class meetings, it is vitally important that you attend each one (1) on time and (2) for the entire session. Even if you have already seen one of the films, you are still expected to watch it in class and participate in the follow-up discussion. Your grade will be based on: attendance (30%), discussion (30%) and a final project (40%) that demonstrates your understanding of the complex ways in which gender identities--in this case, masculinities--are culturally constructed/deconstructed, reinforced/deflated, etc., by the cinematographic arts.

9/22

"Twelve Angry Men"

10/6

"Death of A Salesman"

10/20

"The Exorcist"

11/3

"American History X"

11/17

"Slam"

12/1

"Once Were Warriors"

12/15

"The Full Monty"