East Asian Cinema · East Asian Languages And Cultures
Grading was very fair, usually done by TAs. They also gave comments and feedback that was super helpful.
One of my favorite classes at Columbia. Expected small workload going in, and honestly did not take much to succeed in the class. 2 in-class quizzes that if you watch the weekly assigned films and understand the historical context you'll get 10/10, weekly 400-500 word reviews of required films that you only need to do six out of twelve, and final project with a group or a 10 page essay. Professor Qian is so easygoing and kind, very understanding, and truly understands the student experience. TAs are also very helpful and nice! Also learned a lot about Asian history and culture, had a director as guest lecturer, and caught up on some famous films I haven't watched but have always wanted to. Would recommend this class to anyone, good luck getting off the waitlist.
2 quizes, in total 6 weekly film discussion post, midterm paper, final project
Very interesting topics and films. Professor Qian is very nice! Highly recommend!
5 response posts on the movies of our choice (500 words following a prompt, graded check minus, check, or check plus), 1 midterm paper (4-6 pages on 2 films, following a prompt of choice) 1 midterm project (recreate a scene from one of the films, 5 minute clip) 1 final paper OR project (create your own short film, 15 minutes)
Took this because it was a 4-point global core that met once a week and discussed movies. Sounds chill, and it was. Throughout the semester it was unclear how tough the TA's would be, but turns out they were light graders. This is either because they graded everything at the end of the semester and got tired of it and just passed out A's, or they truly believed we deserved them. Regardless, easy A. We covered a movie every week, which we are responsible for viewing in designated 'viewing party' on Thursdays 7-9pm, (unless you have an excused absence). During class, Professor Qian gave a 1-hour lecture on the history of the Asian culture that the movie covers so that we have further context, followed by a TA-led discussion about scenes from the movie. It ended up being the same 3-4 students talking about their interpretations of the scenes, followed by long monologues by the TAs who just liked to hear themselves speak. Also, I'm pretty sure no one did the readings or watched the additional clips or really even showed up to the film screenings (which, by the way, were supposed to be mandatory... but in a class of ~50, I never saw more than 12 people there). 1 midterm paper, which was just an analysis of 2 films (4-6 pages, easy). 1 midterm project, where you get into a group of 1-5 students and recreate a scene from one of the films. This project was meant to recreate the filmin…
Attendance; lectures and weekly screening (15%) Weekly posting assigned on required films, but you only need to complete only 5 of them (20%) Midterm Paper on film of your choice (20%) Video group assignment; you get to recreate a scene from a film of your choice, or create original short film 8-10 minutes (10%) Final Essay or Creative Project; you either write a paper covering multiple films or do something similar to video group assignment. We were also given the option of video essay (35%)
This is a very interesting and engaging course that could be used for Global Core requirement. If you're looking for an enjoyable Global Core course or some intro film course, this course would probably fulfill your needs. If you're somewhat knowledgeable on East Asian history, either China, Japan, or Korea, it would be helpful. Background knowledge on film could be useful, but not necessary. The class covers East Asian films from the early 20th century up to the early 21st century, from silent black and white films to modern Hollywood movies. As for class structure, we meet once a week for lecture and there's weekly movie screening, which apparently was optional, but now required. Professor Qian is very nice and approachable, and she works really hard to make the course as enjoyable as it could be. The only downside was that it felt like announcements and grading were often rushed, delayed until the very last minute, but I'm pretty sure it difficult to find a class which isn't (at least that was the case for me).