The mob movie is one of America's classic movie genres. These genres explore what it means to live in a materialistic, violent country that enjoys imagining a world ordered by codes of honor. In this course we will watch films from this genre's very beginning up to the groundbreaking re-evaluation of the mafia in The Sopranos. We'll consider these films from three different perspectives: as distinct versions of the mobster genre; as pointed critiques of capitalist America; and as explorations of the human psyche and its tendency to indulge in violent fantasies. No prior familiarity with any of these films is expected. Films may include: Scarface, The Godfather, GoodFellas, American Gangster and many more. Weekly screenings and class presentation projects will be the center of our discussions.
Prerequisites
Be in the Honors Program
Semester Offered
Offer With sufficient demand