Philosophy and cinema encounters
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: HP230
- Dates: 21/06/24 - 26/07/24
- Time: 18:00 - 20:00
- Taught: Fri, Evening
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Daniel Weizman
Course Code: HP230
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course dives into the intricate relationship between philosophy and cinema, focusing on three central figures: André Bazin, the highly influential film critic; the celebrated philosopher Gilles Deleuze, renowned for his comprehensive theory of cinema; and the provocative Slavoj Žižek, who analyses cinema through ideological lenses. We'll critically engage with their seminal works, accompanied by film clips illustrating their central arguments. Join us to discover how cinema offers a distinctive philosophical Mise-en-scène that enriches our ways of thinking, perceiving, and feeling.
What will we cover?
Phenomenology and Realism in André Bazin
Cinematic images and signs in Gilles Deleuze
Ideology and film in Slavoj Žižek.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand the dynamic relationship between film and philosophy.
- Navigate and engage with complex philosophical ideas related to cinema.
- Apply gained insights to contemporary debates in art, culture, and politics.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for students who possess an appreciation of and some familiarity with French continental philosophy, alongside an interest in classical European and American cinema. In general, an open mind and willingness to listen to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will adopt a seminar style, offering students ample opportunity to discuss and debate. Short excerpts will be provided to read during class and at home, and clips from significant films will be shown.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Two core texts for this course will be Gilles Deleuze’s Cinema 1: The Movement Image and Cinema 2: The Time-Image.
We will also explore selections from André Bazin’s What Is Cinema? Volumes I and II, as well as Slavoj Žižek’s Enjoy Your Symptom. Additionally, I will provide an extensive list of supplementary readings.
