Catalog
Rhetoric
Professor Nero (chair, winter and Short Term); Associate Professor Kelley-Romano (chair, fall); Assistant Professor Cavallero; Lecturer Hovden
Rhetoric is a civic and cultural art. Rhetoric's origins are at the invention of democracy in the ancient Greek polis. The Christian church maintained the foundational rhetoric texts during the Middle Ages and scholars rediscovered them during the Renaissance. Since then rhetoric has flourished as a fundamental aspect of modern democracy. At Bates, rhetoric is the study of the symbolic as it is enacted in the process of negotiation in culture, civil society, and history. The major teaches students to understand how citizens use the symbolic in processes of negotiation within democratic states.
Rhetoric is both performance and a field of study. Rhetoric as performance is the ability to fundamentally navigate in the public sphere as an agent. Traditionally successful agency has included skills in oratory, writing, and debating. As the public sphere has expanded, so have the skills needed for successful agency. Skills may now be in purely visual media such as film, television, and virtual worlds.
Argumentation and debate are traditional aspects of the practice and study of rhetoric, and have long been considered essential elements to a functioning public sphere. Bates has a storied history of excellence in debate, and students may study argumentation in courses or participate in competitive debate, or both. Through the Brooks Quimby Debate Council (BQDE), the Bates rhetoric program teaches non-rhetoric students basic elements of rhetorical practice and theory and enriches the public sphere at the college.
The major in rhetoric offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human communication. Students complete a series of core courses in rhetorical theory and criticism, history of public address, and film and television studies, complemented by courses on language, media, and communication drawn from the curricula of other departments. All students complete a senior thesis. More information on the rhetoric curriculum is available on the website (bates.edu/rhetoric).
Major Requirements for the Class of 2018 and beyond
Students must choose a concentration in either rhetorical theory and criticism or screen studies. Students may count one Short Term course toward the major, unless they are completing the performance requirement, in which case, students may use two Short Term courses to satisfy the major requirements. Each of the major concentrations consists of eleven courses distributed as follows:Rhetorical Theory and Criticism.
1) Required core courses:
RHET 100. What is Rhetoric?
RHET 120. Introduction to Screen Studies.
RHET 252. Rhetorical Theory.
2) Performance. One of the following:
RHET s16. Public Discourse.
RHET s17. Introduction to Argumentation.
RHET s40. Digital Video Production.
3) Public Sphere. Three of the following courses, at least one must be a 300-level seminar:
RHET 265. The Rhetoric of Women's Rights.
RHET 391A. The Rhetoric of Alien Abduction.
RHET 391B. Presidential Campaign Rhetoric.
RHET391C. The Harlem Renaissance.
4) National Screens. One of the following:
AA/RH 159. Cinema in Black and White: African American Presence and Absence in American Film.
AA/RH 162. White Redemption.
RHET 220. Constructions of Italian American Men and Masculinities.
RHET 226. Minority Images in Hollywood Film.
RHET 260. Gay and Lesbian Images in Film.
RHET 391E. The Interracial Buddy Film.
RHET 391F. Bollywood.
RHET391G. Immigration and Media.
RHET s22. The Cinema of John Ford.
5) Two additional rhetoric-related courses, which, with department approval, may include may include courses taken in approved study-abroad programs or courses taken in other departments or programs.
6) RHET 457 or 458. Senior Thesis.
Screen Studies.
1) Required core courses:
RHET 100. What is Rhetoric?
RHET 120. Introduction to Screen Studies.
RHET 240. Film Theory.
2) Performance. One of the following:
RHET s16: Public Discourse.
RHET s17: Introduction to Argumentation.
RHET s40: Digital Video Production.
3) National Screens. Three of the following courses, at least one must be a 300-level seminar:
AA/RH 159. Cinema in Black and White: African American Presence and Absence in American Film.
AA/RH 162. White Redemption.
RHET 220. Constructions of Italian American Men and Masculinities.
RHET 226. Minority Images in Hollywood Film.
RHET 260. Gay and Lesbian Images in Film.
RHET 391E. The Interracial Buddy Film.
RHET 391F. Bollywood.
RHET391G. Immigration and Media.
RHET s22. The Cinema of John Ford.
4) Public Sphere. One of the following:
RHET 265. The Rhetoric of Women's Rights.
RHET 273. Rhetoric of Sports.
RHET 391A. The Rhetoric of Alien Abduction.
RHET 391B. Presidential Campaign Rhetoric.
RHET391C. The Harlem Renaissance.
5) Two additional rhetoric-related courses, which, with department approval, may include may include courses taken in approved study-abroad programs or courses taken in other departments or programs.
6) RHET 457 or 458. Senior Thesis.
Major Requirements for the Classes of 2016 and 2017: Students must choose a concentration in either rhetorical theory and criticism or in film and television studies. Each major consists of eleven courses distributed as follows:
Rhetorical Theory and Criticism. Required core courses:
1) RHET 100. What is Rhetoric?
2) One of the following:
THEA 261. Beginning Acting.
THEA 263. Voice and Speech.
RHET s16. Public Discourse (formerly 185).
RHET s17. Introduction to Argumentation (formerly 186).
3) One of the following:
RHET 257. Rhetorical Criticism.
RHET 276. Television Criticism.
4) RHET 252. Rhetorical Theory.
5) One of the following:
RHET 260. Lesbian and Gay Images in Film.
RHET 265. The Rhetoric of Women's Rights.
6) One of the following:
AA/RH 162. White Redemption: Cinema and the Co-optation of African American History.
RHET 220. Constructions of Italian American Men and Masculinities.
RHET 226. Minority Images in Hollywood Film.
RHET391G. Immigration and Media.
7) Two of the following:
RHET 391A. The Rhetoric of Alien Abduction.
RHET 391B. Presidential Campaign Rhetoric.
RHET 391C. The Harlem Renaissance.
RHET 391E. The Interracial Buddy Film.
RHET 391 F. Bollywood.
8) RHET 457 and/or 458. Senior Thesis.
9) Students are also required to complete at least one course from two of the following three areas. No single course may be used to complete more than one requirement. Additional courses may be substituted with the permission of the department. No more than one Short Term course may be counted toward the major. One Short Term course in addition to RHET s16 (Public Discourse) may be counted toward the major.
a) Theories of Communication:
ANTH 333. Culture and Interpretation.
CM/RH 160. Classical Rhetoric.
CM/HI 231. Litigation in Classical Athens.
PHIL 195. Introduction to Logic.
PHIL 235. Philosophy of Mind.
PSYC 380. Social Cognition.
b) Representation:
AV/WS 287. Women, Gender, Visual Culture.
AVC 288. Visualizing Race.
AVC 375. Issues of Sexuality and the Study of Visual Culture.
AVC s32. The Photograph as Document.
FYS 313. Whitelands: Cinematic Nightmares.
FYS 434. Remaking Movies: Art, History, Politics.
INDS 235. The Politics of Pleasure and Desire: Women's Independent and Third Cinema and Video from the African Diaspora.
INDS s25. Black Terror.
RHET 195. Documentary Production.
RHET s18. Goldberg's Canon: Makin' Whoopi.
RHET s31. Conspiracy Rhetoric.
RHET s32. Motown America.
c) Social and Political Movements:
HIST 261. American Protest in the Twentieth Century.
PL/RE 212. Contemporary Moral Disputes.
PLTC 346. Power and Protest.
REL 247. City upon the Hill.
Film and Television Studies. Required core courses:
1) RHET 100. What is Rhetoric?
2) One of the following:
AA/RH 162. White Redemption: Cinema and the Co-optation of African American History.
RHET 220. Constructions of Italian American Men and Masculinities.
RHET 226. Minority Images in Hollywood Film.
3) One of the following:
RHET 185. Public Discourse.
THEA 261. Beginning Acting.
THEA 263. Voice and Speech.
RHET s16. Public Discourse.
RHET s17. Introduction to Argumentation.
RH/TH s40. Digital Video Production.
4) RHET 260. Lesbian and Gay Images in Film.
5) One of the following:
RHET 240. Film Theory.
RHET 276. Television Criticism.
6) Two of the following:
RHET 391A. The Rhetoric of Alien Abduction.
RHET 391B. Presidential Campaign Rhetoric.
RHET 391C. The Harlem Renaissance.
RHET 391D. Argument Theory.
RHET 391E. The Interracial Buddy Film.
RHET 391 F. Bollywood.
RHET 391G. Immigration and the Media.
7) RHET 457 and/or 458. Senior Thesis.
8) Students are required to complete three film and television studies courses from among the following. Within this category, no more than one Short Term course may be counted toward the major.
ANTH 255. Cinematic Portraits of Africa.
FRE s36. The Evolution of French Cinema.
FYS 334. Film Art.
GER s25. The German Cinema.
INDS 235. The Politics of Pleasure and Desire: Women's Independent and Third Cinema and Video from the African Diaspora.
MUS 340. Music and Cinema.
REL 100. Religion and Film.
SPAN 217. Literature and Screen.
SPAN 354. Revolución en el cine.
THEA 242. Screenwriting.
THEA s33. Central European Theater and Film.
Pass/Fail Grading Option
One 100- or 200-level course may be taken pass/fail in fulfilling the minor requirements.Minor in Rhetoric
The minor consists of six courses. A coherent program for each student's minor is designed in accord with the following guidelines and in consultation with a member of the rhetoric faculty who is chosen or appointed as the student's departmental advisor for the minor.The courses required for the minor in rhetoric include:
1) RHET 100. What is Rhetoric?
RHET 120. Introduction to Screen Studies.
2) One of the following:
RHET 240. Film Theory.
RHET 252. Rhetorical Theoery.
3) One of the following:
AA/RE 159. Cinema in Black and White: African American Presence and Absence in American Film.
AA/RH 162. White Redemption: Cinema and the Co-optation of African American History.
RHET 220. Constructions of Italian American Men and Masculinities.
RHET 226. Minority Images in Hollywood Film.
4) One of the following:
RHET 220. Constructions of Italian American Men and Masculinities.
RHET 260. Lesbian and Gay Images in Film.
RHET 265. The Rhetoric of Women's Rights.
5) One of the following:
RHET s16. Public Discourse.
RHET s17. Introduction to Argumentation.
RH/TH s40. Digital Video Production.
6) One topics seminar (391), including:
RHET 391A. The Rhetoric of Alien Abduction.
RHET 391B. Presidential Campaign Rhetoric.
RHET 391C. The Harlem Renaissance.
RHET 391D. Argument Theory.
RHET 391E. The Interracial Buddy Film.
RHET 391F. Bollywood.
RHET 391G. Immigration and the Media. Courses
RHET 100. What is Rhetoric?.
Although the oldest discipline, rhetoric may be the least understood. Aristotle defined rhetoric as "the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion." In this course, students conduct a historical survey of rhetorical theory from classical times to the present. Rhetorical artifacts examined include political speeches, television programs, print advertisements, editorials, music, film, and Internet sites. Required of all rhetoric majors and minors. Not open to students who have received credit for RHET 155. Enrollment limited to 30. [W1] Normally offered every year. S. Kelley-Romano.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 120. Introduction to Screen Studies.
This course is designed to introduce students to the production techniques, historical context, cultural function, and critical analysis of various film and television texts. Both film and television play an important role in defining, challenging, and reinforcing cultural norms and practices. By looking critically at a number of texts and artifacts, the course encourages students to develop a better understanding of the role film and television play in defining cultures and "reality." Enrollment limited to 40. Normally offered every year. J. Cavallero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
AA/RH 159. Cinema in Black and White: African American Presence and Absence in American Film.
The influence of African Americans in U.S. cinema has been profound, though most often is hidden in the shadows of discrimination. This course reconsiders the history of U.S. film by placing African Americans at the center instead of the margins. Films include major Hollywood releases (Hallelujah, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner) as well as works by independent producers and directors (Oscar Micheaux, Spike Lee). Enrollment limited to 40. C. Nero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
AA/RH 162. White Redemption: Cinema and the Co-optation of African American History.
Since its origins in the early twentieth century, film has debated how to represent black suffering. This course examines one aspect of that debate: the persistent themes of white goodness, innocence, and blamelessness in films that are allegedly about black history and culture. Historical and cultural topics examined in film include the enslavement of Africans, Reconstruction, and the civil rights movement. [W2] Normally offered every year. C. Nero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 220. Constructions of Italian American Men and Masculinities.
From Rudolf Valentino to The Godfather to Jersey Shore, American media makers and audiences seem obsessed with the Italian American man. In challenging cultural conventions and brazenly refusing to conform to accepted social norms, the Italian American male in popular culture is simultaneously admired and feared. Representations of the Italian American male indulge fantasies of total freedom while providing a cautionary tale that endorses social conformity. This course examines representations of Italian American men to determine the cultural place of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class, with attention paid to the rhetorical usage of these overlapping identities. Prerequisitie(s): Either RHET 100 or 120. Enrollment limited to 30. J. Cavallero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 226. Minority Images in Hollywood Film.
This course explores representations of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans both in mainstream Hollywood films and those by oppositional independent filmmakers. Film viewings, discussions, readings, and written assignments explore the construction of racial otherness through specifically cinematic techniques. The careers and oeuvres of influential minority filmmakers and actors including Sidney Poitier, Oscar Micheaux, Anna May Wong, Dolores del Rio, Ang Lee, and Spike Lee are examined. Not open to students who have received credit for AA/TH 226. Open to first-year students. C. Nero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 240. Film Theory.
What is a film? How should films be viewed? What cultural role do the movies play? As might be expected, such open-ended questions have yielded no shortage of answers. This intermediate-level film studies course introduces students to some of the dominant theoretical models that have surfaced throughout the history of film theory (including formal film analysis, realism, Soviet montage theory, documentary theory, and experimental film theory), while also exploring issues of cultural studies, authorship, ideology, representation, digital cinema, reception studies, and global and transnational cinema. In coming to an understanding of these approaches, students develop a deeper comprehension of the cultural place and artistic significance of the movies. Prerequisite(s): RHET 120. Enrollment limited to 40. [W2] Normally offered every year. J. Cavallero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
AA/RH 242. Passing/Trespassing.
This course examines the rhetoric of containing black bodies in cinematic and literary narratives. In passing narratives light-skinned people move across racial lines supposedly fixed by biology, custom, and law. In trespassing narratives black persons enter spaces denoted as white by law or custom. This course calls attention to fear, fantasy, punishment, and resistance as ongoing dimensions of race and white supremacy. Recommended background: at least one course with race as a central topic. C. Nero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 252. Rhetorical Theory.
While rhetoric is commonly perceived to be persuasion, rhetorical theorists have long studied the relationship between symbol systems and broader aspects of human identity. This course focuses on theories that explore the epistemological (how we know) and the ontological (being) aspects of language use. The course begins with general theories related to the topic and then moves to discussions of how language influences our understanding and embodiment of race, gender, sexuality, and citizenship. Prerequisite(s): RHET 100. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 30. [W2] J. Hovden.RHET 260. Lesbian and Gay Images in Film.
This course investigates the representation of lesbians and gays in film from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the contemporary independent filmmaking movement. Topics may include the effect of the "closet" on Hollywood film, homophobic imagery, international queer films, "camp" as a visual and narrative code for homosexuality, the independent filmmaking movement, and the debates about queer visibility in contemporary mass-market and independent films. Open to first-year students. [W2] C. Nero.ConcentrationsInterdisciplinary Programs
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
This course counts toward the following Interdisciplinary Program(s)
RHET 265. The Rhetoric of Women's Rights.
Throughout American history the roles and rights ascribed to women have differed from those ascribed to men. Because of their differing situations, women have had to use rhetorical means to attain their goals of equality and access to the public sphere. This course examines rhetorical strategies used by women to overcome the exigencies they faced. It considers the rhetoric of oppositional voices who have challenged the goals of the feminist movements and the rhetoric in the broader social environment that establishes the social norms and values in which the movement must operate. Students learn and apply the tools of rhetorical criticism in order to identify, describe, and evaluate the rhetoric studies. Prerequisite(s): RHET 100 or 120. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 30. [W2] S. Kelley-Romano.ConcentrationsInterdisciplinary Programs
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
This course counts toward the following Interdisciplinary Program(s)
RHET 273. Monday Morning Quarterbacking: The Rhetoric of Sports.
This course examines the ways in which discourse surrounding sports influences culture, politics, and one's sense of self. Using rhetorical theories such as myth, metaphor, and narrative, students analyze the discourses surrounding topics such as the rhetorical construction of the athlete, sporting events, athletes as racialized and gendered bodies, the commodification of the athlete, athletes and activism, and fandom and identification. Prerequisite(s): RHET 100. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 30. [W2] Normally offered every other year. J. Hovden.AA/RH 281. Black Pride and the 1970s.
This course focuses on the theme of black pride in artistic expression during the 1970s. Black pride enabled the creation of counter-publics that emerged after the civil rights movement defeated white supremacy laws. Particular attention is given to soul, disco, and funk as sonic movements that empowered young people, enabled gay culture formation, and popularized a modern southern blues; stage productions and literature that brought black feminism to mainstream attention; Broadway productions that fostered pride in black urban aesthetics and sensibilities; and television, radio, and cinema that validated the integrity of black history and culture. Open to first-year students. Normally offered every year. C. Nero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 360. Independent Study.
Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair are required. Students may register for no more than one independent study per semester. Normally offered every semester. Staff.RHET 391. Topics in Rhetorical Criticism.
The topic varies from semester to semester. The seminar relies largely upon individual student research, reports, and discussion. Instructor permission is required. Students should consult the departmental web page for petition form. Enrollment limited to 15. Instructor permission is required.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 391A. The Rhetoric of Alien Abduction.
This seminar examines the discourse surrounding UFOs and alien abduction. Texts are drawn from various media and include both fictional and nonfictional accounts of interaction with aliens. The course uses abduction/UFO discourse as a way to interrogate articulations of power, reality, control, rights, and identity as they are expressed both by abduction experiencers and popular culture. Topics include conspiracy, narrative, apocalyptic rhetoric, and myth. Prerequisite(s): RHET 100 or 120. Enrollment limited to 15. Instructor permission is required. S. Kelley-Romano.ConcentrationsInterdisciplinary Programs
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
This course counts toward the following Interdisciplinary Program(s)
RHET 391B. Presidential Campaign Rhetoric.
In this course, students explore the wide array of discourse surrounding presidential campaigns. Attention is paid to political speeches, advertisements, debates, news reporting, and the use of social media in campaigning. Students also participate in an extensive "mock campaign" complete with candidates, conventions, media, debates and scandal. Special attention is paid to the evaluation of evidence and sources in the construction of political argument and image. Prerequisite(s): RHET 100 or 120. Enrollment limited to 15. Instructor permission is required. S. Kelley-Romano.ConcentrationsInterdisciplinary Programs
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
This course counts toward the following Interdisciplinary Program(s)
AA/RH 391C. The Harlem Renaissance.
This course examines the New Negro Movement and the extraordinary creativity in the arts and in other aspects of intellectual life by African Americans in the 1920s and 1930s. Although this cultural phenomenon was national in scope, most scholars agree that New York City, and Harlem in particular, was its epicenter. Topics include racial, gender, and cultural identities in literature, theater, the performing and visual arts; the formation of black queer culture; and the role in promoting the arts by political organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Marcus Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Prerequisite(s): AAS 100 or AA/RH 162. Enrollment limited to 15. Instructor permission is required. [W2] C. Nero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 391E. The Interracial Buddy Film.
This course examines the intersections of race and gender in the interracial buddy film, an enduring genre that emerged in the civil rights era and has become one of the most profitable film formulas. Students examine how the films construct masculinity and race in political contexts. Prerequisite(s): RHET 100 or 120 or AA/RH 162. Enrollment limited to 15. Instructor permission is required. C. Nero.ConcentrationsInterdisciplinary Programs
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
This course counts toward the following Interdisciplinary Program(s)
RHET 391F. Bollywood.
This course develops a historical understanding of Bollywood while demonstrating that the economic realities of a globalized world have ethical implications for cultural production. The course considers the history of Bollywood productions from the 1950s to the 1990s, a time in which the aesthetic style and production practices of these films were established; special attention is paid to the gender, racial, sexual, and class politics of these movies. Next, students consider the industry's global popularity and the lucrative potential of transnational audiences. Finally, they investigate how Hollywood and independent films have attempted to capture a more traditional Bollywood audience. Films under study include Mother India, Zanjeer, Dhoom 2, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and Slumdog Millionaire. Recommended backgound: RHET 100 and 120. Enrollment limited to 15. Instructor permission is required. J. Cavallero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 391G. Immigration and Media.
In the post-9/11 United States, few political issues have been as hotly contested as immigration. During the same time, many independent, Hollywood, and international film and television products have attempted to capitalize on this interest by representing immigrants and immigrant experiences. These media texts sit at the intersection of politics, economics, and art; each film or program becomes a site around which the diverse political leanings of a mass audience, the economic imperatives of cinematic and televisual production, and the artistic motives of media makers compete with and influence one another. Prerequisite(s): RHET 100 and 120. Enrollment limited to 15. Instructor permission is required. [W2] J. Cavallero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET 457. Senior Thesis.
A substantial academic or artistic project. Students register for RHET 457 in the fall semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both RHET 457 and 458. [W3] Normally offered every year. Staff.RHET 458. Senior Thesis.
A substantial academic or artistic project. Students register for RHET 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both RHET 457 and 458. [W3] Normally offered every year. Staff.RHET s16. Public Discourse.
This course is designed to develop an awareness of and skill in the techniques needed by a speaker in varying situations, from the large gathering to the small group. Students analyze and compose public speeches on various political issues. Not open to students who have received credit for RHET 185. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 24. J. Hovden.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET s17. Introduction to Argumentation.
An examination of the theory and practice of argumentation. This course explores argument theory from antiquity to the present and gives students the opportunity to develop skills in structured academic debates. Not open to students who have received credit for RHET 186. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 24. J. Hovden.RHET s22. The Cinema of John Ford.
This course considers the work of Hollywood legend and Maine native John Ford. Best Known for his westerns, Ford also directed classics like The Grapes of Wrath, How Green Was My Valley, and The Battle of Midway. Students tour sites in Portland where Ford lived and worked, consider various ways of approaching his movies, and complete short documentaries about Ford. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission is required. J. Cavallero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET s30. Film Festivals and Digital Video Production.
This course draws on the resources of the Lewiston/Auburn community to introduce students to film festival management and digital video production. Students will work with Lewiston/Auburn’s Emerge Film Festival to help run the event. In addition, they will learn various production techniques and produce high-quality videos that Emerge may use to enhance its promotional and development opportunities (which could include but may not be limited to the Emerge website, grant applications, and meetings with potential donors). Production will be approached through the study of critical theories, and several writing assignments will accompany the creation of digital content. Prerequisite(s): RHET 120 and 240. New course beginning Short Term 2016. Enrollment limited to 16. (Community-Engaged Learning.) Normally offered every other year. J. Cavallero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RHET s32. Motown America.
This course examines the discourse from and about Motown Records. Launched in 1959, Motown played a critical role in the racial integration of popular entertainment. Students examine how Motown constructed race, gender, sexual, and class identities in its music and in its stars to appeal to African American audiences and to cross over into the mostly white American mainstream. They also examine cinematic and theatrical entertainments about Motown. Prerequisites(s): one of the following: AA/RH 162, RHET 100, 120, AAS 100, or ACS 100. Enrollment limited to 30. C. Nero.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations
RH/TH s40. Digital Video Production.
A hands-on, immersion course at Maine Media Workshops in Rockport, Maine, in the art of storytelling through digital video production, including both narrative fiction and documentary genres. Students learn cinematic language, storytelling, storyboarding, drafting a shooting script, location scouting, casting talent, rehearsing, blocking, and directing actors and crew. They also consider the roles of filmmakers, from producers and directors to camera and sound specialists and editors. Students are introduced to Final Cut Pro and the postproduction process. During the course students are expected to research, write, shoot, and edit a number of finished works. There is an extra fee for this course. Enrollment limited to 8. Normally offered every year. Staff.Concentrations
This course is referenced by the following General Education Concentrations