CMS 240: Writing in Cinema and Media Studies: Queer Film
Course Information
Course Number: CMS 240
Course Title: Writing in Cinema and Media Studies: Queer Film
Meeting Times/Location: Tuesday/Thursday, 8:30 AM - 10:20 PM
Credit Hours: 5
Instructor Information
Instructor: Cain Miller
Office Hours: TBA
Office Location: Padelford B534
Email: cainmill@uw.edu
Course Description: This course explores the many ways in which a film might be categorized as “queer.” We might be inclined to situate the term “queer” as being synonymous with “gay” or “homosexual” or the acronym LGBTQIA+. But “queer” films also challenge viewers’ assumptions of narrative, genre, and artistic norms. As Teresa de Lauretis states, a queer text is one that “not only works against narrativity, the generic pressure of all narrative toward closure and the fulfillment of meaning, but also pointedly disrupts the referentiality of language and the referentiality of images…” Indeed, queerness raises many ideological implications. This course will explore cinematic queerness through the frameworks of history, aesthetics, audience reception, and censorship, among other topics, to enhance your critical thinking and media literacy skills regarding the relationship between film and gender/sexuality. In addition, this course introduces students to basic concepts of film analysis. No previous knowledge of film theory is required.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the narrative, formal, and thematic elements of film.
- Challenge our understanding and assumptions of queer film.
- Read foundational texts in queer film studies.
- Practice textual analysis of films through discussion and writing.
Assignments/Grade Breakdown:
- In-class writing activities (25%)
- During certain class meetings, you will be asked to write short responses to lecture content. Each writing activity will have a specific prompt. These activities will ask you to synthesize specific concepts discussed in the lecture.
- Annotated bibliography (25%)
- As part of the research process for your final project, you will write an annotated bibliography consisting of at least 3 primary and/or initial sources you’re considering incorporated into your final project. Your annotated bibliography should include the appropriate citation for each source, as well as a one-paragraph summary of each source.
- Final project proposal (20%)
- You will write a short proposal (300-500 words) describing your research project. Your proposal should include a working thesis statement, the scholarship upon which you are building, and the media text(s) you will analyze.
- Final project (30%)
- For your final project, you have the option to write a research paper (6-7 pages) or make a video essay (8-10 minutes in length). Your project should focus on a specific queer media text and argue what characteristics categorize it as queer. If you opt for the video essay, you must also submit an artistic statement (4-5 pages) that articulates your intentions with the video.
Course Policies
Course Delivery: This class is conducted in-person. Students are expected to regularly attend class and participate in discussions of the course materials. While attendance is not monitored, students are expected to consistently attend class meetings should they expect to perform well on assignments.
Late Work Policy: Late assignments will be deducted by 10% for each day they are late. Work submitted late by a student with an excused absence will not receive point deductions.
Disability: Students may request disability accommodations through UW Disability Resources for Students: https://depts.washington.edu/uwdrs/current-students/accommodations/
Religious Accommodation: Students may request absences for religious accommodations through the registrar: https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/
Academic Integrity: All work submitted in this class should be original. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, instances of plagiarism and cheating on exams. Instances of academic misconduct are a violation of the UW Student Conduct Code and may result in an F for the entire course and other possible consequences. Use of AI to write your work is considered plagiarism.
For more information, visit: https://www.washington.edu/cssc/facultystaff/academic-misconduct/
Statement on Mental Health and Wellness: UW recognizes that maintaining mental health and wellness is important for all students. UW encourages all students to utilize campus mental health resources. For more information, visit: https://www.washington.edu/counseling/
Content Warning: Please note that some of the assigned films explore challenging subject matter and may contain potentially upsetting language and imagery. These challenges are inherently connected to the course materials given that we will explore complex topics related to gender and sexuality. I will do my best to warn the class about particularly upsetting materials. With this in mind, I cannot predict what every respective student will find upsetting. You are expected to come to class prepared to communicate with your classmates respectively and listen to diverse viewpoints. If you have questions or concerns about any of the course materials, please communicate with me.
Course Schedule
TBA
*The instructor has the right to make adjustments to the syllabus if needed.