HIST156 Interpreting History Through Cinema (Experimental)

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: History

I. Course Number and Title
HIST156 Interpreting History Through Cinema (Experimental)
II. Number of Credits
3 credits
III. Number of Instructional Minutes
IV. Prerequisites
V. Other Pertinent Information
VI. Catalog Course Description
Cinema has become one of the most provocative and effective modes of mass communication. This course recognizes the uniqueness of film as an alternate method for exploring, dissecting, and comprehending history. Students will view, analyze, and evaluate films which depict pivotal circumstances and cataclysmic events in history.
VII. Required Course Content and Direction
  1. Course Learning Goals

    Students will be able to:

    1. evaluate the effectiveness and liabilities of film as a historical medium;
    2. analyze film content for point of view and historical accuracy; and
    3. identify and understand associations between historically relevant events and portrayals in cinema.
  2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities

    1. The Evolution of Revolution
    2. Native Americans on Screen
    3. Keeping it Real -- The Civil War
    4. The Great Depression
    5. Charlie Chaplin vs. Adolph Hitler
    6. The Holocaust on Celluloid
    7. Effective Propaganda -- Capra vs. Riefenstahl
    8. Morality and the Motion Picture Production Code
    9. The HUAC and the Hollywood Blacklist
    10. Political Idealism
    11. Exploring Gender -- Empowered Women
    12. Race -- Debunking Stereotypes
    13. Race (part 2) and Social Class
    14. The Business of America
    15. Cinematic Coincidence: Three Mile Island and the China Syndrome
  3. Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

    Written examination, quizzes, student performance-based projects, and a major research project.

    Textbook, JSTOR scholarly articles, DVD films, imdb.com (the internet movie database), online resources.

Review/Approval Date - Unavailable; New Core 8/2015