C292 is part of a two-semester historical survey that covers the role
of Hollywood in the history of modern American culture. Hollywood is
not only the site of motion picture production, but also a major
intersection where the popular media--movies, radio, television,
music, publishing, etc.--converge and influence one another.

We live in a culture in which movies, TV, music, literature and
advertising from an increasingly integrated media environment.
Contemporary Hollywood movies are no longer really successful unless
they launch a consumer product line--a soundtrack album, computer
games and websites, amusement park rides, clothing apparel, spin-offs
and sequels--and unless they perform in international markets as well
as in the U.S. Celebrated filmmakers, such as Martin Scorsese, Steven
Spielberg, David Lynch and John Woo, move easily across the media--
creating TV series, computer games and commercials, in addition to
feature films. In this environment, distinctions between art,
entertainment and commerce that once seemed self-evident have become
hopelessly blurred.

Much has changed in Hollywood over the last few decades. Movie
studios have diversified into related fields, such as theme parks and
television production. The studios themselves have been absorbed into
transnational conglomerates that view film production as merely one
source in a worldwide stream of revenue. New distribution
technologies--cable, satellites, home video, the internet--have
turned the family home into Hollywood's most lucrative exhibition
market. International markets now challenge the U.S market as the
primary source of movie industry revenue.

This course will explore the ways in which Hollywood has adapted and
survived in spite of the changes that have occurred over the past few
decades. This course will examine Hollywood's changing role as a site
of cultural production, concentrating on the rise of television, the
tensions between blockbuster and independent movies, the growth of
international markets, the impact of new technologies and the
continuing challenges faced by women and minorities in the
entertainment industries. We will then trace changes in Hollywood's
narrative strategies, visual and sound styles, stars, and genres--
particularly as these have been redefined by new markets, new
technologies and new artists.

We will view a number of movies and TV programs at evening screening
sessions. Grades will be based on a combination of exams and short
papers.