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Bollywood and the West

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AAQS279

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

This module offers an introduction to the popular Hindi-language cinema known around the world as Bollywood. We will focus on the back-and-forth interactions between Bollywood and the West, from the influence of Bollywood on Hollywood films such as Moulin Rouge (2001) through to Bollywood remakes such as Ghajini (2008) which reworks the US indie film Memento (2000). The module will cover a wide variety of different genres ranging from critically acclaimed family dramas through to popular superhero films, and we will explore the distinctive visual aesthetics of popular Indian cinema. We will also discuss the postcolonial legacy of British colonialism, the significance of the South Asian diaspora to the Bollywood industry, and the various ways in which Indian cinema circulates – and does not circulate – beyond its domestic context.

Assessment details

Participation (15%), 1 x 2000-word essay (25%), 1 x 3000 word essay (60%)

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to popular Hindi-language cinema through a focus on its interactions with the West. Students will investigate the topic from the following perspectives: (1) the back-and-forth influences between Hollywood and Bollywood; (2) the historical development of the popular Hindi film industry; (3) the theoretical debates surrounding cosmopolitanism, transnationalism and cultural exchange; (4) the critical frameworks for approaching transnational remakes and adaptations; (5) the position of diasporic filmmakers and audiences; and (6) the politics of crossover arthouse and cult reception practices. The aim of the module is therefore to interrogate the position of ‘Bollywood’ relative to ‘the West’ from a variety of critical viewpoints, and thus explore the politics of cross-cultural flows and exchanges more broadly.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 5 module and in particular will be able to:

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the major debates within scholarship on global Bollywood
Show awareness of the debates surrounding national cinemas in relation to theories of cosmopolitanism and transnationalism.
Articulate a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between Bollywood and the West
Critically assess and discuss scholarship on Bollywood cinema in relation to processes of globalisation and cultural exchange
Demonstrate an understanding of the politics of exoticism in relation to transcultural reception practices
Design and undertake their own investigations into specific aspects of global Bollywood

Teaching pattern

Ten one-hour lectures, ten three-hour screenings and ten one-hour seminars.

Suggested reading list

Core course readings will be provided.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.