2007 Handbooks

Many people gain much of their knowledge of history through film and television.

In this course, students will be invited to think about the promise and problems of history on film. Through lectures, film screenings and discussions, students will explore how historical films are constructed, whether it is possible for the filmmaker to tell an interesting and plausible historical story and show that historical ideas are open to debate, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of film as a medium for history. These issues point to underlying questions about how we think about history (historiography) and why we want to know about the past. Students will also examine the role film can play in stimulating public debate about the past and identify ways to foster critical discussion.

Questions considered will include: Why study history on film? Can film show us 'what really happened'? Is there more to documentaries than facts? Are all historical films 'propaganda'? and Can historical films be educational? Films to be screened will include: Gladiator; Joan of Arc (1999, dir. Luc Besson); Rashomon; Saving Private Ryan; Shoah; and Life is Beautiful. HIST243 will be of interest to students from all parts of the University.