Welcome to the Cult Cinema DeCal. You may be wondering, “What is cult cinema?” Well, if you search on Google, definitions abound: cult movies are weird! They are ‘so bad that they’re good’! They have a massive cult-like fanbase! They must be obscure and later recognized for their cinematic value! Even amongst fans of cult cinema, it remains difficult to agree on an exact definition, as this film classification spans genres, decades, and cultures. In this DeCal, we will study the history, social and cultural influence, and various subcategories of cult cinema in order to broaden our understanding and engage with discourse surrounding its many definitions.

In this class, the films we will be screening include the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the Room, Donnie Darko, The Big Lebowski, Eraserhead, and Pink Flamingos, to name a few! It should be noted that these films contain some potentially offensive/obscene content. In our discussion of these films, I hope to contextualize them within the settings in which they were created, but also critique and interrogate their content. Many of these films fall into the “cult” category because of their explicit nature, and I want to ensure that all students are aware that these films contain some graphic content.

CLASS STRUCTURE/ASSIGNMENTS: Every other week, there will be a short lecture on the week’s topic followed by a class discussion of the assigned readings. On the weeks where there is not a lecture and discussion, there will be a screening of a film. Additionally, there may be some optional weekend field trips to local movie theaters to see midnight movies like Rocky Horror!

As for assignments, each week, there will be a brief required reading response. As well, at the end of the semester, there will be a 1-2 page paper on a film that we have watched in the class.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students are expected to attend all meetings and participate in class discussion. As such, attendance accounts for 25% of the total points. Attendance is especially important because films will be screened at every other class. That being said, I am completely willing to work with you! If you need an excused absence, please do not hesitate to contact me. As well, ​​there will be two unexcused absences given throughout the semester.

There are only 60 seats available in the room we have been assigned, so as much as I would absolutely love to include everyone, not every applicant can be enrolled in the class. To enroll in the course, please fill out the application. This application is due on *SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 AT 11:59 PM* Accepted students will receive a confirmation via email on August 29. All students must attend the first session of class on Tuesday, August 31 from 5-7 at B51 Hildebrand in order to receive the CCN and enroll.