The first course of this year’s CIV program, led by Professor Cassandra Guan, recently concluded with great success. Centered on the intersection of cinema and urban transformation, the course invited students to trace Beijing’s modern history through film. Through close analysis of diverse cinematic works, students explored how the city’s evolving landscapes and narratives mirror broader shifts in China’s history and society.
Learning extended well beyond the classroom. Students visited iconic sites featured in the films they studied—including the Forbidden City, Beijing’s historic hutongs, and the Great Wall—and toured the China National Film Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s cinematic heritage. The course culminated in a creative project, as students produced their own short films capturing their unique perspectives and reflections on life in Beijing.
