This course examines the interrelationship of politics, economics,
and mass market art during the painful decade of the Great Depression.
Students will be introduced to the causes and responses to the depression
crisis during the 1930s. The logic of both the Hoover and Roosevelt
administrations will be examined, as will economic theories which
emerged at this time (such as those of John Maynard Keynes). Students
will also examine the ways in which American movies changed during
this decade, especially in ways that represent the imprint of the
economic crisis on Hollywood. Particular attention will be given to
the ways gender relations, racial relations, and personal identity
are impacted by the depression and the ways in which such an impact
makes its way into American film. On this last point, the course will
also examine the impact of the depression on the Hollywood establishment
(for example, several studios go into receivership), on its censorship
codes, and on its own sense of where movies of this period fit into
American life. Class participants will be introduced to a liberal
sampling of film clips and documentary material. Students will also
be asked to view a few movies in their entirety outside of class.
NOTE: This course allows students, who wish to do so, to submit a
third (and final) set of portfolio essays for credit. Students may
submit new portfolio essays or redeveloped essays from a prior submission
that have been identified by evaluators as eligible for redevelopment.
Essays submitted twice before are not eligible for a third submission.
Students who plan to submit essays in this course should not do so
before they submit essays in INTD 308, Advanced Expository Writing,
and INTD 300, The Critical Thinking Seminar. You are eligible to earn
up to a maximum of 30 portfolio units at CPS. It is your responsibility
to contact your Academic Advisor with any questions regarding the
Portfolio Submission policies and procedures. Students may fulfill
the writing requirements of the course either through traditional
academic writing or through portfolio essays.
Saturday(s): 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Lone Mountain, Room 140
