Hollywood's star attraction: Marilyn Monroe

What is the course about?

This online film studies course explores the rise and continued popularity of Marilyn Monroe. We will be exploring both her place in film history and her posthumous career with an in-depth analysis of recent film biopics.

We will follow a chronological order to assess the changes to Monroe’s career and star persona. Additionally, we will closely analyse the star through a variety of materials (film, magazines and advertisements) to understand how her persona was formed and maintained. Key areas to be examined are: star theory, performance, and nostalgia. The sessions will provide biographical information on Marilyn Monroe and her place within the wider historical and cultural landscape of film.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

Throughout the course, you will be introduced to new ways of looking and thinking about Marilyn Monroe, including an analysis of Monroe’s performance and star persona during the 1950s and the 1960s. Film scenes and extra-textual materials (magazine articles, posters, and advertisements etc.) will be evaluated to assess how Monroe’s star persona was constructed to convey meaning to the film audience. Secondly, we will discuss how Monroe became important to our understanding of the fifties through an analysis of the star’s posthumous fame. As a result, we will analyse contemporary biopics and fiction such as My Week with Marilyn and Blonde.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- evaluate extra-textual evidence and understand how it shaped Marilyn Monroe’s star persona.
- understand and accurately articulate specialist terms used in the language of film.
- appreciate the impact of Marilyn Monroe in popular culture.
- demonstrate skills in close textual analysis.
- gain insights into star theory.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for anyone interested in star studies, performance and Hollywood cinema.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be a short lecture with an accompanying PowerPoint. Secondly, film clips will be provided in the session and you will discuss these in both large and small groups. Lastly, there will be reading each week for further discussion and small group work.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs. Film scenes will be shown in the session.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

For other Film Studies courses please see our website at www.citylit.ac.uk/history, culture & writing/film studies.