Identities in Peril?

Prof. Matthew Escobar

FREN/SPAN 2216AA Special Topics:

Identities in Peril? Globalization, Terrorism and Immigration in Recent Francophone and Spanish Cinema

This course focuses on the ways in which globalization, terrorism and immigration are currently represented in several countries (principally Spain and France, though some of the films deal with Belgium, Algeria, Canada and the Congo). We will examine questions of national identity, violence, colonialism and multiculturalism as they are portrayed in recent film from the countries mentioned above. We will also read short critical texts in English on these topics.

This course will be taught in English. [All films are subtitled in English] Spanish majors will write papers in Spanish. French majors will write papers in French. All other students will write in English. There are no previous requirements for non majors.

Course taught by Professor Escobar.

For more info escobama@shu.edu

Some films we will see:

Spain:

1. La pelota vasca / The Basque Ball [2003, ETA Separatism] clips

[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382898/]

2. El día de la bestia / Day of the Beast [1995, Immigration/Terrorism]

[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112922/]

France:

3. L’auberge espagnole / Spanish Apartment [2002, Globalization/Identity]

[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283900/]

4. Monsieur Ibrahim [2003, Immigration/Globalization]