The seminar offers an introduction to German Cinema while approaching the films and historical issues from the perspective of feminist film theory. Students will develop the analytical tools for detangling the complex visual structures of gender (within but also beyond the films discussed in class). Together, we will examine the particular role of female figures in German cinema by considering the Lola figure. The course includes the discussion of the work of female directors such as Helke Sander or Doris Dörrie, and actresses such as Marlene Dietrich or Nina Hoss. It also introduces students to the theories of important German feminist film critics. During a session on pornography, it will be possible to schedule an excursion to the Berlin-based Porn Film Festival at the end of October, where the class would be able to listen to a lecture and discuss some pornographic films with their international directors. The course encourages students to take pleasure not only in seeing and discussing but also in writing about films (from a reader-oriented as well as critical position). Together we will develop a critical vocabulary in order to describe how gender structures are reflected through film.