HIST 2330 - History of American Movies 1896-1950

Credit Hours: 3.00

Prerequisites: None

Surveys the development of American Society by viewing movies as part of our popular culture.

Contact Hours: 3
Billable Contact Hours: 3

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the audience attracted to the Nickelodeons.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the concepts of vertical integration, the studio system, and the studio contract system.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the themes of materialism, women’s role, race, and individualism as portrayed in films of the 1920s through the 1950s.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the impact on the movie industry of production code censorship.

Outcome 5: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to cite the contributions of D.W. Griffith, Alfred Hitchcock, and Billy Wilder to American movies.

Objectives

Explain motion picture development from Edison to “Sunset Boulevard.”
Explain the contribution of Edwin S. Porter and D.W. Griffith to film art.
Evaluate the Golden Age of Silent Movies and the studio system.
Examine censorship and the emergence of pre-code Hollywood movies.
Describe censorship and the emergence of screwball comedy.
Examine film noir as a reflection of American values.
Analyze the films of Alfred Hitchcock.
Analyze the films of Billy Wilder.
Evaluate the effect of WWII and government anti-trust suits on the movie industry.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

1. The graduate can integrate the knowledge and technological skills necessary to be a successful learner.

2. The graduate can demonstrate how to think competently.

The graduate can demonstrate how to employ mathematical knowledge.

4. The graduate can demonstrate how to communicate competently.

5. The graduate is sensitive to issues relating to a diverse, global society.

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

Motion Picture development from Edison to “Sunset Boulevard”
The contribution of Edwin S. Porter and D.W. Griffith to film art
The Golden Age of silent movies and the studio system
Censorship and the emergence of pre-code Hollywood movies
Censorship and the emergence of screwball comedy
Film noir as a reflection of American values
The films of Alfred Hitchcock
The films of Billy Wilder
The effect of WWII and government anti-trust suits in the movie industry

Primary Faculty
Rice, Edward
Secondary Faculty

Associate Dean
Williams-Chehmani, Angie
Dean
Pritchett, Marie

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088