This seminar serves as an introduction to the genre of Western film and fiction. Students will be introduced to conventions of the genre as well as developments from “traditional” Western over so-called “Spaghetti Western” to Neo- and Post-Western. We will discuss the relevance of changes within the genre, especially with respect to representations of sex/gender or ethnicity but we will also look at the representation of “imaginary Wests” in places from Tombstone to Deadwood. Reading and discussing a selection of theoretical texts will enable students to analyze for example representations of the American West or the construction of identities within the films / texts. Questions for discussion are for example how sex/gender or ethnic groups are represented in Westerns, but also how American history is represented.
We will read (excerpts from) Pete Dexter’s novel Deadwood and Patrick De Witt’s The Sisters Brothers and discuss the following films:
The Searchers
Once Upon a Time in the West
Unforgiven
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
The Homesman
Django Unchained
A selection of secondary material and excerpts from the primary texts will be made available in form of a reader.
Please note: Students are required to attend screenings of the films. Details to be announced.
Requirements:
Class participation, including reading assignments and discussion, a short presentation in class and a seminar paper. |
