This course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts and terminology needed to analyze English-language films. Beginning with a focus on the technical aspects of filmmaking, the course provides students with the basic vocabulary to discuss films in speaking and writing. Building upon this formal foundation, it then guides students to “read” the meaning of films as texts situated in their social, political, and cultural contexts. Through close analyses of films in writing and oral discussions, students have many opportunities in this course to sharpen their critical thinking.