HIST 319 - US History Through Film

Credits: 5

This course explores the ways in which US history has been represented through film. Our goal is not to critique films’ historical “accuracy”, but rather to examine the ways that popular, visual culture may operate to re-affirm or challenge widely held understandings of history-and of ourselves as Americans. Our viewing, discussion of and writing about films will often use the concepts of race, gender, and class as primary analytical lenses. Additionally, one central question will inform our exploration of film and history-to what extent does Hollywood function as a public historian? Other topics of exploration could include: why are some periods of history ignored in popular visual culture? Whose versions(s) of history are privileged in mainstream movies? How do films use history to speak of the times in which they are made? Is film a valid form of historical narrative? While this is not a class on film per se, we will also learn about filmic methods, practice writing film reviews, and consider ‘Hollywood’ as a hegemonic cultural industry. Students must have at least junior standing or consent of instructor. [available in odd years]