Course Description - This is a year long course dealing with the depiction of American history in movies. To a certain extent, it will also deal with the history of American films and the motion picture industry itself. There will be a heavy emphasis on historical analysis and the separation of fact from the fiction often produced by Hollywood. The impact of historically based movies on American culture and perception of history will also be assessed. The course will be taught chronologically and may also be taken on a semester basis. It is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Textbook - There is no textbook for this class, but there will be assigned readings for each movie.

Instructor - Bob Alley                                                   

Daily Activities - Class time will typically consist of one of the following.

• Background lectures
• Watching movies
• Class discussions

Assignments, Expectations, and Grades - Prior to each movie we watch, you will receive a study sheet. Each study sheet will consist of information about the movie itself, historical background information, corrections of inaccuracies in the film, a reading assignment, a bibliography, and Talking Points (a series of learning objectives and questions for thought that will be discussed after the viewing of the movie). You will be expected to pay attention during the lectures and the movies, to do the assigned readings, to give the objectives and questions some thought, and to participate in class discussions. Because it is essential for you to see the movies shown in class and participate in the ensuing discussions, regular attendance is expected. Part of your grade will be based on the quantity and quality of your class participation. While differences of opinion will occur and are desirable in a class such as this, respect for the feelings of others is expected at all times. There will be a midterm exam at the end of the first and third quarters and a final exam at the end of each semester. These exams will be based on the study sheets, lectures, class discussions, and, of course, the movies. The final exams will cover the entire semester. There will also be a project due at the end of each quarter, which will entail you watching a movie from an approved list on your own and producing a study sheet for that movie.

Movie Links

• First Semester
• Second Semester
• All Movies
• Discussion Questions for All Movies

A PDF version of the syllabus that was distributed in class may be accessed by clicking here.  If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free by clicking on the link below.