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Canadian Identity through Film
This course is an advanced introduction to the study of Canadian culture through the medium of film and the theme of identity. The key questions for the term are: "Who is a Canadian?" and "What's 'Canadian' about Canada?" The first question is about belonging and nationhood. Who does the category "Canadian" include and who does it exclude? The second question is about the shared practices that underpin what it means to be Canadian. What are those practices and how do they distinguish "Canada" from other places and identities? Canadian film is examined as a means of trying to answer these questions.

Outcomes: This course focuses on one of the outcomes for geography students at Western Oregon University, that students will: "Understand the role of geography in society".

As a Film Studies course, the focus is on demonstrating "Enhanced awareness of the power of visual media to shape perceptions of the world", and "Contextual understandings of moving image arts and media". As part of the International Studies program, students in this course will be able to: "Understand the geopolitics, history and culture of specific regions of the world".

More particularly, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a familiarity with the complexity and diversity of Canadian culture;
  • Discuss different theoretical and political perspectives on Canadian identity;
  • Assess Canadian films and Canadian film history;

Format: This course is organized largely through screenings and discussions of selected films and related readings.

 
Shaun Huston's web site is at: http://www.wou.edu/~hustons

Created by Anne-Marie Deitering and Shaun Huston

Please address comments or questions to hustons@wou.edu