7:15P-8:30P TR (30) 3 cr

TOPIC: FILM IMAGES OF SPORTS

In this course we will examine films as cultural documents.  We
will focus specifically on movies about sports, and consider them
in their cinematic and historical contexts (and use a number of
readings on American sports history to aid us).  =20
In cinematic terms, sports movies form a distinct sub-genre and
we will discuss this frequently and view films representative of
all forms of the sub-genre, from the classical Hollywood studio
period:--PRIDE OF THE YANKEES and KNUTE ROCKNE--ALL-AMERICAN--as
well as more recent classical genre films--THE NATURAL, FIELD OF
DREAMS, ROCKY, HOOSIERS and RUDY; also revisionist sports genre
movies-- RAGING BULL, EIGHT MEN OUT, BULL DURHAM, A LEAGUE OF
THEIR OWN, WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP, THE PROGRAM, and HOOP DREAMS; as
well as parodies like MAJOR LEAGUE and SLAP- SHOT.  In addition
to the movies listed above, we will discuss and view clips from
many other sports films, among them: ALL THE RIGHT MOVES, BLUE
CHIPS, BREAKING AWAY, THE GREAT WHITE HOPE, NORTH DALLAS FORTY,
PAT & MIKE, ROLLERBALL, THE RUNNING MAN, and WILDCATS. =20

Student responsibility in the course includes a number of quizzes
and short papers--one of them on any current or past sports movie
of the student's choosing--and a midterm and final exam.=20
Students have the option of substituting a major project for the
final exam.  The major projects can consist of: a research paper
on any filmmaker or topic connected to the course; OR a creative
film project, e.g., a film script or a short film or videotape on
any topic prompted by the course.     =20

There is no film night in the course; students can view the film
assignments in the Main Library Media Center, or by renting a VCR
tape of the assignment (in addition, some of the dorm libraries
have copies of some of the assigned films).

You do not have to be an English or Film major to take this
class.  We will use a textbook that explains cinematic terms, and
no student will be handicapped by a lack of background in film. =20
ONE WARNING: DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE IF YOU DO NOT LIKE SPORTS. =20