Spring 2024

True Crime: Unlearning Media

Listed in: English, as ENGL-108  |  Film and Media Studies, as FAMS-108

Faculty

Pooja G. Rangan (Section 01)

Description

(Offered as ENGL 108 and FAMS 108) Unlearning Media is a module of introductory film and media courses that seek to learn new ways of understanding or making media by unlearning everything we believe we know about them. Focusing on a range of contemporary media phenomena, and taught by FAMS instructors specializing in critical studies, creative practices, or both, Unlearning Media courses delve deep into our relationships with media forms, devices, or practices that we secretly love, openly resent, or have simply stopped noticing. By turning things sideways and pausing on unexpected details, or taking the time to explore hidden alleyways and histories, we will discover how media get under our skin and shape what we believe to be true—and how they might yet unlock our imagination of what could be. In Spring 2024, Unlearning Media will be taught by Professor Rangan and the topic will be True Crime. Focusing on the recent boom in true crime documentary films, series, and podcasts, we will look to the past and future of the true crime genre to understand what drives the audience appetite for crime stories, and what narratives are missing that can help us understand why the world feels like a scary place—and point to ways to fix it.

Limited to 25 students. Spring semester. Professor Rangan.

How to handle overenrollment: If over-enrolled preference will be given to (1) first year students and (2) students intending to major in Film and Media Studies.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: weekly readings and film screenings; regular writing assignments; audiovisual analysis; independent and group work; in-class discussion.

ENGL 108 - LEC

Section 01
Tu 2:30 PM - 3:50 PM WEBS 220
Th 2:30 PM - 3:50 PM WEBS 220
Su 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM KECC 008

Offerings

Other years: Offered in Fall 2022