“The Gypsies have remained one of the few mysterious, unspoken currencies of cinema, concentrated around identifiable stereotypes.”
~ Gocic

Overview

Most people in America have never met a Gypsy.  Where then, do Americans gain the images they have of Gypsies? 

The purpose of this course is to analyze the ways in which Gypsy identity, culture, stigma and stereotypes are represented in film.  Students will examine the way in which Gypsies have been represented by non-Gypsy filmmakers and then contrast those representations with films made by, or heavily influenced by, Gypsies.  Of particular consideration will be the way films depict the Gypsy as “other,” or social outsiders. 

The readings and lectures in this course are designed to provide students with the knowledge and tools not only to recognize film falsehoods, but also to challenge inaccurate representations of the Romani people. 

Goals

•Recognize stereotypes commonly used in films

•Understand how film depictions of the Roma are related to common perceptions, stigmas, and stereotypes of the Romani people.

•Differentiate and analyze the purposes of various directors in their representation of Roma

Expectations

Course participation is mandatory

1.Regular attendance and timely reading of required materials are critical components of this course.  Please come to class having read the material for that day. 

2.Please show up on time.  Most class time will be spent watching films; if you arrive late it is disruptive.  If you must arrive late, please remove your notebook, pen, etc from your backpack/bags before entering the room to minimize distraction.

3.Turn off your cell phone.

4.If you having problems with the course please come see me.  Do not wait until the last week of the course to discuss your progress.

5.You have a lot of leeway with weekly assignments.  They are due five days after completion of the film.  Late weekly assignments will not be accepted.  

6.I understand the idea of the word “Gypsy” as a derogatory term is new to many students, but I ask that you please refrain from using it out of context, especially in your writing assignments. 

Coursework

Weekly Film Review: Each week, you are required to write a review that incorporates that week’s lectures and readings into the film.  This requires that you complete the readings each week and take good notes during the lectures.  The review will be no less than two double spaced pages with one-inch margins and no more than three pages.  It should have a clear introductory paragraph containing your main thesis/argument.  You should discuss at least two scenes (dialogue, cinematography, representation, etc) from the film and two quotes from the readings.  The review is not a synopsis of the film and the readings, but should critically tie the two together.  Imagine that you are an academic specialist in the field of Romani Studies and consider how you would respond to the release of the film.   The concluding paragraph should include your recommendation for the film.  Would you recommend the film?  If so, why or why not?  Good reviews examine the assumptions, implications and themes of the film and readings.  Make sure you cite the film and readings.  Reviews must be submitted in hard copy.
Final Paper: The final paper should be a minimum of eight double-spaced pages not including the works cited or title page with one-inch margins.  The final paper is an opportunity to pull together and demonstrate what you have learned from the lectures, readings and films.  No outside research is required.  You will use your reviews, lecture and reading notes, and the films to synthesize and analyze how filmmakers represent the Roma, why filmmakers choose to characterize Roma the way they do, and how characters compare to Romani realities.  You can do this in one of several ways:

1.Compare and contrast two films.  Analyze the differences and similarities in which the director(s) represented the Romani characters in the film.  Consider why the Roma are depicted in specific ways.  What is the director’s background?  Who is the target audience of the film?  Were Roma involved in the making of the film? 

2.Discuss the overall ways in which Roma are characterized in mainstream film.   Think about what you knew of the Roma at the beginning of the semester.  How does the film world create or enforce Romani stereotypes and reality?  Choose at least four films from class.  You may also include films we did not view in class in addition to those we did.  A list of recommended films is included at the end of this syllabus.

3.Focus on one specific theme, such as the discrimination or music.  Discuss how films follow that theme and what relationship the films have to reality.  Use at least three films.

4.Compare the work of Tony Gatlif with that of non-Roma filmmaker(s).  How does Gatlif’s background influence the making of his films?  Does he have an advantage or disadvantage over other filmmakers?  Do you think his background as a Roma makes his work biased as compared to other directors?

5.You may also choose your own topic.  However, I must approve your topic before October 17.

If you turn a draft of your final paper in on or before November 28 you will have an opportunity to make revisions in order to improve your final grade. 

Final Exam: The final exam will be an in class essay exam.  You will be provided with a list of topics from which you will choose two or three. 

Evaluation

Weekly Reviews 30%: How does the film tie into the theme for that week?  Consider the readings, lecture and film notes.  Weekly reviews are due the Wednesday after that week’s theme.  See schedule.
Final Exam 30%
Final Paper 40%

Citing Films

The Chicago Manual of Style provides the following for citing films.  Entries for recorded material found online should also include a URL.  Please do not use parenthetical references. 

Footnote or Endnote: Firstname Lastname, Title of Work, Format, directed/performed by Firstname Lastname (Original release year; City: Studio/Distributor, Video release year.)

Bibliographical Entry: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Work. Format. Directed/Performed by Firstname Lastname. Original Release Year. City: Studio/Distributor, Video release year.

Example:  Leskak, Marek and  Martin Šulík, Gypsy. DVD. Directed by Martin Šulík (2011.  Slovakia.)

Course Resources

Many of the older films for this course are available on YouTube.  You can find them listed in the Film category under the username RomaniHistory at this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/RomaniHistory.   There are several other categories with clips and documentaries that may be of value to you as you complete this course.  As you use these resources, pay particular attention to the comments left on YouTube videos.  What does it tell you about “common” perceptions and feelings toward Roma?

Suggested Films

Black Cat, White Cat.  1998

The Man Who Cried. 2000.

I Even Met Happy Gypsies. 1967.

King of the Gypsies. 1978.

Freedom.  2009.

Khamsa. 2008.

The Red Violin. 1998.

Angelo, My Love. 1983.

Gadjo Dilo. 1997.

Searching for the 4th Nail. 2011. (documentary)

A People Uncounted. 2011.  (documentary)

Gypsies: The Other Americans. 1975. (documentary)

Florida State Honor Code

“Students are expected to uphold the Academic Honor Code published in The Florida State University Bulletin and the Student Handbook. The Academic Honor System of The Florida State University is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility (1) to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the student’s own work, (2) to refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the university community, and (3) to foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the university community.”

Any time you use an author’s words or a film quote you must cite the source.  If you use an author’s ideas you must also cite them.  Plagiarism is a serious offense and will not be tolerated.  If you are in doubt or unclear about this policy, please ask me. 

ADA Policy

“Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should: (1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class.”  For more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities contact the Student Disability Resource Center, Dean of Students Department, 08 Kellum Hall, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4400; (850) 644-9566 (voice); (850) 644-8504 (TDD); SDRC@admin.fsu.edu; http://www.fsu.edu/~staffair/dean/StMy BiudentDisability/