A study of classic American films as a reflection on their times and an influence upon style and belief. The course tries to teach students to view film as a product of history and a reflection of the social and ideological tone and culture of America. Twelve writing assignments, ten twenty-minute essays written in class following the movie shown that night. This course explores the American past from the perspective of ordinary men and women and recovers the role they played in the making of modern America. Lectures will emphasize the experience of individuals and the changing relations among various social groups.
Social history takes for granted fundamental social and economic conflict in America's past.
Rather than assuming there was a broad consensus about the nation's basic values and extraordinary prosperity, this course unearths a long and sustained history of creative struggle and resistance among Americans of different classes, races, genders, national or ethnic origins, and regions. Readings will include a text, three books and several articles. Short in-class quizzes on the readings may pop up as well. This course examines the modern histories of Brazil, Argentina and Chile from the late nineteenth century to the present. The class will cover key movements of political and economic change in each country.