Learning Goals:
- Comprehensively review Luis Buñuel’s body of work, situating the different films within their historical and cultural contexts.
- Engage with the study of primary sources as the base for research in film history.
- Familiarize ourselves with technology for the study and research of film history and platforms for presenting information in a visually attractive way.
- Analyze film scenes using appropriate terminology and critical approaches.
- Participate in a community of viewers and learners which is intellectually supportive and challenging.
Methodology:
This course consists of 14 sessions. Every session will have a combination of the following tasks:
- Reading: Read the assigned articles or book chapters to prepare for the class.
- In-class screenings: Study the films assigned for every session.
- Students’ presentations: Introduction and commentary on the films we watch in class as well as other important film texts.
- Lecture: Contextualization of Buñuel’s life and work and his participation in different cinematic industries.
- In-class activities: Guided discussions, free writing, and other exercises to facilitate the learning process.
- Field trips: Visits to cultural sites or archives that help contextualize the life and work of Luis Buñuel.
Assignments and grading
Attendance and participation (10%): The success of the class depends on students being engaged and active participants. Participation is defined by attendance (more than 2 unexcused absences will impact the final grade), attentiveness, and contribution to the discussions.
Film Diary (20%): Every week students write a critical response to the assigned materials (movies and texts) of at least 250 words. Responses will be posted on the course blog. To receive full credit, students need to write at least 8 blog posts. Due date: Every Thursday before class at 11.59 pm
Student presentation (15%): Students will select one of the sessions to present about the movie or media we will be watching. The presentation consists of a contextualization of the film(s), a close reading of a scene, and a series of discussion questions.
Group project (20%): Students will work in groups to research a movie or an author influenced by Buñuel. The project will compare the original and the homage, highlighting aspects such as the mise-en-scène, the motifs, and the cultural context.
Final paper (35%): 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: Dec 19 at 11.59 pm
Late work is accepted but will have a 5% penalization.
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.
