Monday, May 12
3:21 am    School begins at 7:45 AM

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American Society and Film

American Society and Film 120 2 Credits

As the nation’s dream factory manufacturing fantasies and cultural myths, Hollywood has given Americans their most intensive, if highly distorted, picture of their country’s past, from the styles of the rich and famous to the underside of American life. Film has been instrumental in shaping our deepest presuppositions about race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual conduct. This course will examine how classic films have treated American political, economic, and social life in a selected time period. In addition, students will work on visual literacy skills by studying film as an art form.

Readings are primarily descriptive, but occasionally analytical. There will be frequent homework assignments and most work must be completed out of class. The course will focus primarily on such skills as comprehension and summary although it will also emphasize skills in analysis, cause and effect relationships, and comparison. While there are a few tests and quizzes, most emphasis will be on writing, both for short assignments and several medium length papers. Students will be expected to view a series of films outside of class to supplement films shown in class. Active, well-prepared participation in class discussion and activities is vital to success in this course.

Curriculum Map for American Society and Film

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