This course will introduce to students to a variety of French cinematic genres, periods, and styles. Students will explore social, historical, political and cultural contexts of selected films in order to enhance their analysis of visual, ideological and thematic elements. Each semester’s topic (e.g, “The French New Wave,” “French Film History,” “French Direct Cinema and Cinema Verite,” and “French Film noir,” etc.) announced at time of registration. Graded on A-F basis only. Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000. Recommended: FILMS_VS 1000 or FILMS_VS 1800.