Schedule of Assignments and Films (Subject to Change and Availability)Jan. 16 & 18: Myths of the American WestJan. 23 & 25: Myths of the American SouthJan. 30 & Feb. 1: The 1920s; New Deal Film MakingFeb. 6 & 8: The Great Depression, 1929-1940Feb. 13 & 15: The Clouds of War: Why We (Should) Fight***Midterm #1 due Tuesday, Feb. 13Feb. 20 & 22: War and Social ChangeFeb. 27 & March 1: Hollywood and Anti-CommunismMarch 6 & 8: Hollywood and Anti-Communism (Cont.)Film: The Manchurian Candidate (1962)March 13 & 15: Hollywood and the Cold WarMarch 27 & 29: Hollywood and Alienation in the 1960s***Midterm #2 due Tuesday March 27April 10 & 12: The 1960s: Alienation and CountercultureApril 17 & 19: The1960s and Race in AmericaApril 24 & 26: Post-Civil Rights: An Alternative BlacknessFilm: Superfly (1972)May 1 & 3: America in the 70s: Hollywood and VietnamRead Lorence Chapter 14 and Henretta Chapter 30May 8 & 10: The 1970s: Decline and Alienation***Paper due Tuesday, May 8May 15 & 17: Reaganite and Anti-Reaganite CinemaHIST 7 History Through FilmSpring Semester, 2007Instructor: Joe Bisson, Ph.D.Office Information: Holt 420; 954-5695 MWF 12-1, TTh 11-12<[email protected]> Course Description: This course is a study of films to explore subjects and themes relevant to modern United States history since the end of the Civil War. The student views, discusses, and writes about selected films. The course emphasizes a historical analysis of how films as cultural and historical documents convey meaning. The student examines how film as a mass medium and art form has shaped, reflected, and commented upon historical events, institutions, and values. The student examines the various ways films reveal their relationship to the political, social, and cultural developments that marked the times in which they were made. (CSU)Prerequisites: None. Reading Level II and strong writing skills highly recommended.Class Format: View and discuss films and readings Caution: Some of these films contain graphic violence, profanity, sexual situations, drug use, references to race and ethnicity, etc. that some people might find offensive. The purpose is to examine these critically, not endorse or promote them. If you are offended by such depictions, I recommend a different class.Required Readings and Materials:1. Henretta, America: A Concise History (3rd Edition)2. Lorence, Screening America (2006)3. A small pen light (flashlight) for taking notes in the darkened room.1Recommended: Computer access to the Internet Movie Database at <www.imdb.com> for detailed production information and film reviews.Your Grade: Essay midterm #1 (25%)Essay midterm #2 (25%)5-7 page paper (25%)In-class final exam (TBA) (25%)Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s words or ideas and representing them as your own. Plagiarism is a violation of the rules of academic conduct at SJDC. The plagiarized assignment will receive a zero(F) grade. Student suspension or removal from the class may also result. See the SJDC Student Handbook for further details.Attendance and Drops: Consistent attendance is crucial to your success in this class. It is your responsibility to attend regularly. I reserve the right to drop no-shows as per SJDC policy. Remember: It is your responsibility to drop the class. I am under no obligation to drop you and am not obligated to accommodate requests for late drops or grade changes via petition. It is your responsibility to get missed notes and other course information from a classmate. Missed Assignments and Exams Policy: No exam make-ups permitted without physician-documented medical excuse, as evidence of your serious illness or injury, or official verification of time and day of jury duty. Physician’s note must include physician’s name and phone number for verification purposes. Advanced notice required for SJDC-approved activities that conflict with exam days, in which case early exams may be provided, at my discretion. I am under no obligation to accept late work except for SJDC activities or physician-verified illness. Basic Manners: 21. Punctuality: Please be on time and ready to work. Late arrivals disturb meand the other people in the class. This is a college learning environment thatgrants students discretion and considerable freedoms that, if abused, compromise the learning environment. Repeated tardiness is, therefore, not acceptable. Repeated lateness expresses an arrogance and lack of consideration for your classmates and me. Before being late, ask yourself if this is the message you want to send about yourself and your opinion of the other people in the class. I reserve the right to lock the classroom door to enforce this policy. If you are locked out of the classroom, leave quietly and arrive on time for the subsequent class meetings.2. Do not socialize in class: this is a discourtesy to the other people in the class. Be sociable by respecting the learning environment and the rights of the other people who attend.3. Early Departures: Please do not leave class early without notifying me before class begins. If you need to leave early, please find a seat close to the door so as to cause as little disruption as possible.4. Please do not begin to pack your belongings, rustle your materials, or otherwise disturb the class before I dismiss. Don’t worry. I know what time it is. 5. Cell phones, pagers, music players, radios, etc. : Turn these off and store in packs, purses, or pockets before coming into class. Remove headphones.6. No Food or Drink in Class. 7. Do not sleep in class or place your head down on the desk. Your Grade: 90-100% A (Excellent); 80-89% B (Good to Very Good); 70-79% C (Average); 60-69% D (Poor); Below 60% F (Failing)3Schedule of Assignments and Films (Subject to Change and Availability)(Note: You should complete the reading BEFORE the first class meeting of the week)Jan. 16 & 18: Myths of the American WestFilm: Little Big Man (1970)Read: Henretta Chapter 16Jan. 23 & 25: Myths of the American SouthFilm: The Birth of a Nation (1915)Read: Lorence Chapter 2 and Henretta, pp. 452-466 & 581-588Jan. 30 & Feb. 1: The 1920s; New Deal Film MakingRead: Lorence Chapter 3 and Henretta Chapter 23Films: The River; The Plow That Broke the PlainsFeb. 6 & 8: The Great Depression, 1929-1940Film: The Grapes of Wrath (1940)Read: Lorence Chapters 5 & 6, Henretta Chapters 24 & 25Feb. 13 & 15: The Clouds of War: Why We (Should) FightFilm: TBA (probably Casablanca