New York has been the setting for thousands of movies. Take a stroll through American culture as you learn more about films you love and are introduced to iconic classic films, too. In this course, we will focus on three particular themes that often appear in movies set in New York: cultural diversity, love and friendship, and stories of crime. Your independent projects are centered on three films that you will watch and analyze: When Harry Met Sally, Do the Right Thing, and another of your choice. You’ll also watch and discuss clips from movies like The Devil Wears Prada, Gangs of New York, Ghostbusters, The Godfather, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and many more!
On our walking tours, we will live what we learned by visiting many famous NYC landmarks and neighborhoods. On the first day, we will start at the legendary 5 points area, where immigrants from dozens of countries lived and fought for a better life in the 1800's (Gangs of New York). Next, we will follow in the steps of the Corleone family in Chinatown/Little Italy. Then we’ll head to the lower east side of Manhattan, where we will have lunch at the legendary Katz Delicatessen and you'll see the famous table from When Harry Met Sally ('I'll have what she's having.'). After lunch, we will explore some films shot in Alphabet City, and take a stroll through Tompkins Park, where John McClane and Zeus Carver had to solve a deadly riddle (Die Hard with a Vengeance).
On the second day of our tour, we will try to bust a ghost at the main branch of the New York Public Library. From there, we’ll walk down 5th Avenue towards Central Park, stopping by a famous subway grate to practice our best “Marilyn moment” (The Seven Year Itch), as well walk in Audrey Hepburn’s footsteps to the iconic Tiffany's. In Central Park, we will see the Plaza Hotel: not only where Big broke Carrie Bradshaw’s heart, but the “Home” base of Kevin McAllister when he was lost in New York. Then we’ll visit some important Central Park landmarks of New York cinema, including the Dairy (Enchanted), The Mall (Trainwreck), Bethesda Terrace and Fountain (The Avengers), and Bow Bridge (Elf). Finally, we'll see the famous "Spook Central" building from Ghostbusters and The Dakota building from the iconic Rosemary's Baby!
More information
Our online classes consist of a pre-assignment, independent coursework, and final assignment, as well in-person classes. Credit for J-1 visa students is 36 hours. Students earning J-1 visa credit must attend all sessions and complete all homework.
To read specifics about class schedules and requirements about this course, click here.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for taking this course.
Registration and Enrollment
This course meets in person. Add to cart and check out.
