South Indian cinema has for a long time been a form of representing both dominant and oppositional political ideologies, and recently has been ruling over Indian cinema: films such as Pushpa, Ponniyin Selvan, and more in the last couple years alone show how central South Indian film has become to dialogues about film and Indian identity. This course will focus on four of the main film industries of the south: the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada industries, and include film screenings from the 50s to the present day, so students can gain a deeper understanding of how current films have been influenced and impacted by the films of the past. There will also be opportunities for students to select films. Discussion and Lecture will be in English, and movies will have English subtitles. No previous knowledge required.

Grading will be based on attendance and a final project on a subject of your interest!