History 168
Spring 2003 in PJ 220
Tuesday 7-10 pm
Dr. Steven Schoenherr
Home Page: http://www.sandiego.edu/~ses/
Office: PJ 266 x4042 Map to History offices
Office Hours: MWF 10-11, MW 1-2
E-mail to: ses@sandiego.edu
Course objectives:
This class will examine how motion picture film is a telling historical document. As a topic of the History 168 course on Mass Media History, it will follow the methodology of the historian to explore the internal and external evolution of film in the United States from its primitive origins at the turn of the century to its development as a powerful social force by the 1970's. The internal history of film involves its technology, studios, directors, performers, and most importantly, its narrative structure. The external history of film involves its relationship with the culture that surrounds it, shapes it, and responds to it. Such a historical inquiry of a mass medium like film will reveal many subtle and often unexpected meanings, as Humphrey Bogart discovered in 1942:
"Rick, why did you come to Casablanca?"
"I came for the water."
"But Rick, we're in the middle of a desert!"
"I was misinformed."
Textbook:
All students must purchase the textbook Movie History: A Survey, by Douglas Gomery, available in the campus bookstore.
Grade:
Quizzes on readings plus writing & e-mail assignments (33%); commentaries (67%). The commentary for each week must be at least 500 words and include a summary of the classes that week, including the media shown in class, followed by a personal comment on the significance of the lectures and discussions and the media shown that week. The personal comment should be inductive, referring to specific examples to support the analysis, and may be comparative using contemporary examples. Use the links web page to find examples, as well as books and articles. The commentaries for each class are due before the next class and must be e-mailed each week to ses@sandiego.edu. There will be a 3-point penalty for any commentary turned in late after each weekly deadline.
Extra Credit:
The final grade is based on a 12-point GPA scale and may be raised by as much as 1.5 GPA (1/2 grade, e.g., from B to A-) with the completion of 1-3 extra book or film reports of 500 words each, approved in advance by e-mail and due by e-mail on the last day of class. See the guides at Filmguide for film reports and Bookguide for book reports.
Attendance:
All students are required to attend class. Any absence must be excused by e-mail prior to the missed class. There will be a grade deduction of .5 GPA for each unexcused absence including tardiness and leaving the classroom before the end of the scheduled period. No makeup quizzes or exams are permitted.
Computer:
This class does not require that you own a computer. However, you are required to have access to the Internet, using your student computer account (free with ID in Serra 205) or using a commercial account, and must be able to send and receive e-mail. Every e-mail message must be text-only and it must include "HIST 168" in the Subject Header, and the Body of the message must include your full name at the start or end of the body of the message and have a valid reply address. Do not send attachments; include your entire message or report or quiz answer in the body of the e-mail message. All students must be able to access the class page at http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/classes/media/168film.html.