HIST 393: Topics in Film and History

HIST 393-001: Uncovering the U.S Past Through Film
(Spring 2013)

10:30 AM to 01:15 PM T

Enterprise Hall 275

Section Information for Spring 2013

We tend to think of Hollywood film as an escape from reality, as an arena altogether separate from the social world we inhabit. But as this class will reveal, Hollywood films are rich historical sources, offering a window onto the social, political, cultural and economic landscapes of their historical moment. By analyzing films—which might include The Jazz Singer (Crosland, 1927), Imitation of Life (John Stahl, 1934), Notorious (Alfred Hitchcock, 1946). The Manchurian Candidate (John Frankenheimer, 1962), and Independence Day (Roland Emmerich, 1996)—alongside other historical documents, this class will explore the ways in which film participated in pressing national debates over gender, race and ethnicity, and national security. The screening of films will be accompanied by more traditional written primary and secondary sources. Requirements will most likely include a midterm exam, several in-class writing exercises and a final paper.

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Study of historical periods or topics from perspective of feature films and documentaries. Notes: Topics available in advance from the department. May be repeated when topic is different. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to the BA in history. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.