This course examines the artistic vision of Satyajit Ray, a chronicler of Bengali culture, who has been lauded as one of the greatest filmmakers of our time. Topics include: Ray's life and work in brief; cultural orientation and values; fictional compositions, visual and musical artistry; affinities and continuity with Rabindranath Tagore; and Ray's films as expressions of his humane vision. Films to be screened and discussed in whole or part (all with English subtitles) include: "Pather Pancali," "Aparajita," "Apur Sansar," "Devi," "Charulata," "Tin Kanya" and others.
Required Texts
A package of articles and stories by and about Ray will be available from the Three Cent Copy Centre , 140 Spadina Avenue (south of Bloor Street).
Time
TBA
Evaluation
TBA
Film review (ca. 5 pp.) 15%
Progress report 15%
Informed class participation 20%
Major paper (ca. 15 pp.) 30%
Class test 20%
Instructor
Dr. Kathleen M. O'Connell
Note
Reading knowledge of Bengali is not presumed for the course. However, students with a knowledge of the language are encouraged to read materials in Bengali.
