NCHU Course Outline
Course Name (中) 歷史與電影(1908)
(Eng.) History and Films
Offering Dept College of Liberal Arts
Course Type Required Credits 1 Teacher LIN KEN AN
Department Department of History/Undergraduate Language English Semester 2026-SPRING
Course Description This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the complex intersection between "historical fact" and "cinematic fiction." The curriculum is divided into two core modules: The first half utilizes the American film The Sinners to examine the deep-seated Puritan traditions, religious trials, and their enduring collective psychological impact on modern American small-town life. The second half delves into the cinematic labyrinth of Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, reconstructing the social ruptures of late-colonial 1980s Hong Kong, the legal "gray zones" of the Walled City, and the struggle for cultural identity.

Students will learn to "read" visual media not merely as entertainment, but as a unique form of "historical primary source." We will analyze how directors employ visual symbolism, spatial construction, and genre frameworks to reconstruct the past within specific historical coordinates, fostering critical reflection on contemporary social issues.
Prerequisites
self-directed learning in the course Y
Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives
Course Objectives Competency Indicators Ratio(%) Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1.In-depth Historical Understanding: To master the evolution of American religious conservatism and the unique legal status and historical origins of the Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong’s colonial history.

2.Analytical Skills in Historiophoty: To apply the theory of "Historiophoty" to distinguish how cinematic narratives reconstruct, aestheticize, or distort historical facts.

3.Cross-Cultural Geopolitical Observation: To examine the commonalities and differences between "social confinement" and "marginalized communities" within the contexts of American religious towns and the Hong Kong Walled City.

4.Critical Media Literacy: To cultivate the ability to uncover hidden ideologies within popular culture imagery and identify how films shape collective memory regarding specific historical periods.
1.Historical research ability
4.Social concern
5.International perspective
40
40
20
topic Discussion/Production
Networking/Distance Education
Exercises
Discussion
Lecturing
Written Presentation
Attendance
Oral Presentation
Assignment
Quiz
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content
Week 1 Intro: Historiophoty
Week 2 The Puritan Ghost
Week 3 Small Town Conservatism
Week 4 The Modern Witch Hunt
Week 5 Youth & Rebellion
Week 6 Gender & Morality
Week 7 Vigilante Justice
Week 8 Midterm Assessment
Week 9 The ”Three-No” Zone
Week 10 1980s Hong Kong
Week 11 Triads & Martial Arts
Week 12 Architecture of Chaos
Week 13 The 1997 Anxiety
Week 14 Brotherhood & Roots
Week 15 Cyberpunk Legacy
Week 16 Final Assessment
self-directed
learning
   02.Viewing multimedia materials related to industry and academia.
   03.Preparing presentations or reports related to industry and academia.

Evaluation
Participation (15%): Attendance and contribution to weekly ”Film vs. Fact” discussions.

Weekly Assignments (25%): Two ”Snapshot Critiques” (500 words each).

Task 1: Identify a religious symbol in The Sinners and trace its historical origin.

Task 2: Compare a still from Walled In with a real historical photo of the Walled City.

Midterm Project (30%): An essay analyzing how The Sinners reflects American ”Small Town Paranoia.”

Final Project (30%): A group video or presentation on ”The Concept of ’Home’ in 80s Hong Kong Cinema.”
Textbook & other References
Self-made Materials by the lecturer
Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website
Microsoft Office PPT, Generative AIs, Digital Handouts, Websites & Links
Office Hours
Please contact by email: gensosuikogaiden@yahoo.com.tw
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs(Link URL)
01.No Poverty   02.Zero Hunger   03.Good Health and Well-Being   09.Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure   10.Reduced Inequalities   11.Sustainable Cities and Communities   12.Responsible Consumption   15.Life On Landinclude experience courses:N
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Update Date, year/month/day:2026/02/25 11:47:27 Printed Date, year/month/day:2026 / 3 / 10
The second-hand book website:http://www.myub.com.tw/