Women through the History of Russian Cinema

This course will explore the history of Russian cinema through the role assigned to women in films of pre-revolutionary Russia, the Soviet Union, and the post-Soviet era. Study of the “woman question” in cinema will include cultural developments and exploration of significant directors and genres. Students will watch films that examine the cultural tendency to define the role of women in retrospective and contemporary society. Films by Yevgeni Bauer, a prominent director who was present at the beginning of world cinema, will be screened, as well as films by other world-renowned directors such as Romm, Mikhalkov, Tarkovsky, Muratova, and Shepitko.

This course includes readings of literary works and criticism, as well as detailed analyses and discussion of the cinematic works, with two film screenings weekly. Students will prepare written and oral assignments including four essays, a journal, and a final paper and project.