IN 327 - REEL Race: In & Out Hollywood

Course Description

"Begins with the creation of the myth of the “Dark Continent” during l9th–century colonial expansion. Reinforced by the nascent social sciences, Darwinism, and missionaries, these “myths” laid the foundation for literary, media, cinema, and popular culture representations and distortions of Africa and the Africana Diaspora throughout the 20th century. Examines the evolution of the perceptions, representations, and racial stereotypes produced and perpetuated by Hollywood and the cinema produced by 20th–century African American filmmakers that challenge those depictions. The selected films and assigned readings are carefully selected to encourage critical thinking, debate, and spirited discussion."