Fall 2026
The Representation of Justice in Films
Dates: September 04, 2026 – December 11, 2026Day/Time: Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Level: 300-Level
Certificate: Human Rights
Human Rights certificate requirement: Course taught from a perspective other than that of law or politics.
Instructor: Sabine El Chamaa, Bard College
This course proposes to look at the intersection between Justice and cinema by exploring seminal international fiction and non-fiction films that reveal how representations of justice and injustice are intrinsically linked to moving images.The course critically engages with the historical (and current) role of film in representing the court, and with questions of 'right and wrong, namely of morality as represented in film, and examines the changing historical and cultural notions of justice and injustice. The course also supports students in questioning ideologies inherent in the politics of representation. Students may wish to explore this partly practical, partly theoretical course as a hands-on tool and respond with projects of their own, or as a means to expand on their theoretical writings. The course will require film viewings, and will be taught through a combination of lectures and debates.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS