Film & Television Studies: Black Romance Films in the 1990s and Early 2000s

Instructor: Ms. Boyce
Course Duration: 12 Weeks

Course Overview

Welcome to the Film & Television Studies: Black Romance Films in the 1990s and Early 2000s course! In this class, we will revisit and explore iconic Black romance films that became cultural touchstones. From Jason’s Lyric to Brown Sugar, we’ll dive into themes of love, resilience, and cultural identity, analyzing how these films reflect real experiences and how they’ve shaped modern cinema.

Course Objective

By the end of this course, you will:

Gain an understanding of how Black romance films shaped the genre in the 1990s and 2000s.
Develop an appreciation for the narratives, characters, and themes of cultural identity within these films.
Share your perspectives on how these films made you feel when first watched vs. how they resonate with you now.
Participate in discussions that foster engagement with the films, characters, and themes of the era.

Materials Needed

Streaming access to the films (or DVDs if you have them).
A notebook for notes and reflections.

Course Expectations

Watch the assigned films each week.
Participate in class discussions and contribute insights to the comment sections here, TikTok and/or Youtube.
Reflect on your experience with each film and share your perspective on how it has influenced your understanding of romance, culture, and identity.

Course Schedule

*Please note, the streaming network listed may or may not still have the film featured. In addition, posts will go up the day following the Watch By Date.

Week 1: Jason’s Lyric (1994)

Watch By Date: 1/31/25
Streaming Network: HBO Max
Explore themes of love and trauma in the journey of Jason and Lyric.

Week 2: Poetic Justice (1993)

Watch By Date: 2/7/25
Streaming Network: Netflix
Analyze the portrayal of love, grief, and artistic expression in Janet Jackson’s and Tupac Shakur’s characters.

Week 3: Mo’ Better Blues (1990)

Watch By Date: 2/14/25
Streaming Network: HBO Max
A deep dive into relationships and the pursuit of artistic excellence in a jazz musician’s life.

Week 4: Love Jones (1997)

Watch By Date: 2/21/25
Streaming Network: Hulu
Study the chemistry between Darius and Nina and how their intellectual connection shapes their romantic journey.

Week 5: Boomerang (1992)

Watch By Date: 2/28/25
Streaming Network: HBO Max
Examine the evolution of relationships and love in the world of business and romance, with Eddie Murphy leading the cast.

Week 6: Soul Food (1997)

Watch By Date: 3/7/25
Streaming Network: Hulu
Reflect on family, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Week 7: The Wood (1999)

Watch By Date: 3/14/25
Streaming Network: Hulu
A nostalgic look at friendship and love through the lens of young adulthood.

Week 8: Love & Basketball (2000)

Watch By Date: 3/21/25
Streaming Network: Netflix
Discuss the intersection of love and sport, and how Monica and Quincy’s relationship transcends both.

Week 9: Disappearing Acts (2000)

Watch By Date: 3/28/25
Streaming Network: HBO Max
Analyze the slow-burn romance and themes of healing, trust, and second chances.

Week 10: The Brothers (2001)

Watch By Date: 4/4/25
Streaming Network: Amazon Prime Video
A discussion about male friendships, commitment, and the complexities of modern romance.

Week 11: How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)

Watch By Date: 4/11/25
Streaming Network: Hulu
Examine self-discovery and love with an older, empowered woman finding herself through a relationship with a younger man.

Week 12: Brown Sugar (2002)

Watch By Date: 4/18/25
Streaming Network: HBO Max
Conclude with an exploration of the relationship between career, love, and identity in the film industry.

Additional Information

Each week, we will have discussions and analyze key scenes from the films. Your participation and reflections will be critical to the success of the course.

For future updates and detailed course materials and discussions, please subscribe to TIR Blog.

Let’s Get Started!

Thank you for enrolling in this exciting course! Grab your popcorn, get your notebooks ready, and let’s dive into these timeless Black romance films together.