CLASS#6 (10/20):

• Many of the films and plays that we have watched and read in this unit are addressing racial stereotypes and prejudices. How can art comment on or address social issues such as racism? Is art an effective way of bringing attention to these issues?
  • Assignments for next class:
    1. READINGS: Short packet of readings about opera
    2. FILM:
       • Moonstruck (Jewison, 1987)

CLASS #7 (10/27)

• In this class we will discuss the art form of opera, and the intersection of ethnicity, class, and community that challenges the form today.
  1. READING:
     • A View from the Bridge (Arthur Miller)
  2. PERFORMANCE- OPERA:
     • Carmen 10/28 @8PM
  3. BLOG #8: Review the performance of Carmen. Would you go back to the opera? Is it only for the older, the rich, and the educated? Why or why not?

Class #8 (11/3):

• Of the millions of people who have immigrated to New York City, thousands were drawn here to pursue a dream. We will discuss the view of New York as an iconic place in film and theater, versus the reality of New York City.
  • Assignments for next class:
    1. FILM:
       • The Muppets Take Manhattan (Henson,1984)
    2. NYC NEIGHBORHOODS PODWALK DUE BY MIDNIGHT 11/6

Class #9 (11/10):

• We will discuss and show video from your New York Neighborhoods assignment. Why is New York such an iconic image in art and popular culture? What is it about New York that captures the imaginations of such a diverse body of people? How do “popular” movies like Moonstruck and The Muppets differ from “serious” films like Taxi Driver or Do the Right Thing in their portrayal our community?
  • Assignments:
    1. READING:
       • inhabited by Michael John Garcés (will be distributed in class)
       • Recent Tragic Events by Craig Wright
    2. FILM:
       • The 25^th Hour (Lee, 2002)