Hollywood Science: Art, Science, and Film Representation

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Hollywood Science: Art, Science, and Film Representation

  • Host University

    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

  • Location

    Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • Area of Study

    Media Studies, Radio - Television - Film

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Lower

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    6
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4
  • Overview

    COURSE OBJECTIVE
    The aim of the course is to explore the relationship between science, literature and art. The course will explore how this relationship is depicted in popular culture with a focus on cinema and film representation. Students will become familiar with a range of cultural theories that underpin a critical study of the function of science in society. Students will be able to analyze texts from an integrated perspective using concepts from natural science, philosophy and social sciences to understand the connections between the academic disciplines and their often overlooked complementary developments.

    COURSE CONTENT
    An analysis of texts from visual media and literature that explore the interaction between scientific developments and how these were both inspired by and interpreted through artistic production from the Enlightenment to the present day. The course will explore how a number of specially selected texts challenged the established ideas of what 'science' is and how significant scientific breakthroughs (in chemistry, computing, medicine, mathematics, etc.) were represented through culture for the general public. We will look at questions such as: How is science understood in the public domain? Does Art play a special role as an experimental space in which new ideas and values find their expression? What relationship is there between literature and science?

    TEACHING METHODS
    Lecture series

    TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
    Participation in end of course Symposium (50%) and Independent Project (50%). You are required to pass both elements of the course with a 5.5 minimum.

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

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