American History Through Film

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Class Description:

Films have been created which cover much of American history. This course will look
at how various aspects of history are portrayed in films and contrast that with
“how it really was.” Both the filmmaker and historian share common methodology.
They study appropriate sources, then select and arrange facts to tell their story. It is the historian’s task to separate fantasy from fact. A major goal of this course is to determine what is valid in contemporary films and historical dramas. In addition, the course will touch on the history of Hollywood and the motion picture industry itself and examine, from time to time, the changes in film technology, techniques, and in the “politics” of the business.