HENKF2005U English - Free topic 5: Past Imperfect: American Film and Society 1960-2020

Films provide highly significant interpretations of American society and politics and provide powerful images that often become substitutes for real histories or contemporary events. Movies glorify American myths of democracy, equality, and freedom. They also unravel and contradict social and political norms. They help provide clearer understandings of difficult historical events. This course looks at America on film to uncover constructions, cultural codes, and comparisons of race, class, gender, ability, and sexuality that promote our analyses of contemporary domestic and global issues.