Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract/Objectives

This course explores the cultural and theoretical dimensions of film art through critical analysis of movies. It covers narrative structure, visual aesthetics, and the socio-political context that influences film production. The aim is to develop skills in film interpretation and explore contemporary theories and frameworks. The course will primarily focus on Taiwanese cinema, supplemented by international films. It will discuss topics such as gender issues, documentaries, lyricism, comedy, and eco-criticism. Topics include how gender is constructed through visual representation, the relationship between documentaries and reality and ethics, the poetic dimensions of lyrical films, the cultural significance and subversive potential of comedy, and an eco-centric perspective that moves away from anthropocentrism. Through these diverse theoretical lenses, the course aims to enhance understanding of film texts and contemporary thought.

Results/Contributions

This course, "Film Studies Topics: Methods, Issues, and Theories," is not only an art appreciation class but also a profound engagement in social practice and ethical reflection. Its course design is deeply connected with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Gender Equality and Diversity Inclusion (SDG 5): This course places gender issues as one of its core discussion topics, including:

1) Women's Life Histories and Rights: Through Lee Chang-dong's "Poetry of Life" combined with Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex," we explore women's positioning within the social system.

2) LGBTQ+ Issues: Through the documentary "Daily Dialogue," we discuss the life experiences of lesbian mothers.

2. Climate Action and Ecological Conservation (SDG 13, 14, 15)

The course specially introduces an "Ecocritical" module to cultivate a "non-anthropocentric" perspective, reflecting on the relationship between humans and nature.

1) Environmental Sustainability: Through Chi Po-lin's aerial narrative "Seeing Taiwan," we raise public awareness about the current state of the land.

2) Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystem Protection: Through Hong Ch'un-hsiu's "The Book of the Sea," we explore the conflict between development and ecological conservation.

3. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

This course examines the "socio-political context" affecting film production, which is closely related to promoting a peaceful and inclusive society.

1) Historical Memory and Truth: Through Wang Tong's "Banana Paradise," "Scarecrow," and "Silent Hills," we re-examine the history of exile, colonialism, and the survival of the common people during and after World War II in Taiwan.

2) National Identity and Peace Discourse: By analyzing "Kinmen Remembrance" and "Mint Candy," we explore how national imagination under the Cold War regime affects individual destinies and reflect on war and political systems.

4. Quality Education (SDG 4)

As an advanced course in film studies, this class embodies the combination of higher education excellence and critical thinking, fostering critical citizens.



Keywords

Film studies, documentary, gender equality, ecocriticism, historical memories

Contact Information

謝世宗
elliot_emerson@msn.com