A Course in Canadian Film for U.S. Students

Canadian Film will be a new course in the Communications Studies department at the University of Missouri at Kansas City particularly designed for non-Canadian Midwestern US students. It will not only introduce students to the richness and significance of Canadian film as both art and entertainment (which is virtually unrecognized around here), but it will also introduce them to Canada's cultural and socio-political nature and characters as revealed through film. Since much of what is Canadian is often distinguished by comparison and contrast to the American, this course will also throw into relief American film and students' own cultural experiences. To know Canada is to better know the United States. Course content includes the history and accomplishments of the National Film Board of Canada, US production in Canada since the late 1960s, the development of Hollywood North, French-Canadian film, IMAX and other cinematic innovations, and outstanding Canadian films and directors from both within and outside Canada. A course syllabus and schedule is available. To date Canadian Film has been offered through Independent Study and has been nominated for development as an online course.