HIST 327 American History at the Movies
This course examines the ways in which the American movie industry has depicted major events and themes in American history and society, and considers both the accuracy of these depictions and their influence on popular understandings of the American past. Students are expected to rent and view movies, in addition to in-class viewing, and to read materials relating to both American cinema and historical topics. A general understanding of U.S. history is recommended.
Prerequisites
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective August 1, 1998 to present
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Can critically analyze and evaluate the accuracy and truthfulness of cinematic representations of episodes in U.S. history, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
- to evaluate contemporary claims made concerning the value of films for historical understanding, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
- Can analyze films as historical documents that illuminate the cultural, social, and political history of the eras in which they were produced, consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctively characteristic of upper-division courses completed at a comprehensive university.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
- Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
- Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
- Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.