Title: SEMINAR: TOPICS IN LITERATURE

PRQ:

While defining a popular genre with the psychological thriller, Alfred Hitchcock created a collection of films that became objects of fascination for generations of film scholars.  In this class, these films serve as a gateway to understanding the conception of authorship in cinema as it relates to various theoretical approaches such as formalist, psychoanalytic, feminist, queer, neo-formalist, and postmodernist theory.  As well as discussing Hitchcock’s lasting impact in popular culture, we will contextualize his profound influence in academic studies.  Therefore, students should be prepared to read, discuss, and employ a variety of theoretical works.

Regular attendance with active participation in class discussions. 

Students will give presentations and lead discussion on significant writings.

Students will view films on their own time.  If there is enough interest, I will provide screenings after class.  

20-25 page research paper.

du Maurier, Daphne.  Don't Look Now: Selected Stories of Daphne du Maurier. New York Review Book Classics, 2008.

Ishii-Gonzalès, S and Richard Allen, eds.  Alfred Hitchcock: Centenary Essays.  British Film Institute, 1999. (Released in US by Macmillan).

Leitch, Thomas.  Find the Director and Other Hitchcock Games.  University Of Georgia Press, 1991.

Truffaut, François.  Hitchcock. Simon & Schuster (Revised edition), 1985.

Buchan, John. The Thirty Nine Steps. Oxford University Press, 1999.

Highsmith, Patricia. Strangers on a Train.  W.W. Norton, 2001.

TBA e-reserve readings.