MEDS 284 - American Television History

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

(Same as FILM 284) This course analyzes the history of American television, the most ubiquitous American mass medium of the last 70 years. It spans from its roots in radio broadcasting to the latest developments in digital television. In assessing the many changes across this span, the course will cover such topics as why the American television industry developed as a commercial medium in contrast to most other national television industries, how television programming has both reflected and influenced cultural ideologies through the decades, and how historical patterns of television consumption have shifted due to new technologies and social changes. Through studying the historical development of television programs and assessing the industrial, technological, political, aesthetic, and cultural systems out of which they emerged, the course will piece together the catalysts responsible for shaping this highly influential medium. Screenings may include Marty, Dragnet, I Spy, Father Knows Best, Amos & Andy, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Twilight Zone, Twin Peaks, Married…With Children, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Steve Harvey Show, Survivor, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, among others.

Prerequisite(s): FILM 175 or FILM 210 for students registering for FILM 284. MEDS 160 for students registering for MEDS 284.

Two 75-minute periods plus outside screenings.