HHIS-232A: America in Crisis:60s70s Film

At a hinge point in American history, the 1960s and 70s brought about radical change and the emergence of social movements like opposition to the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, feminism, gay liberation and pop counterculture. Movies not only responded to the rebellious ideas of the moment but also helped shape them. Students will watch a breadth and depth of films by Hollywood and indie filmmakers of the era, including Charles Burnett, Francis Ford Coppola and Shirley Clarke. They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills by examining story, cinematography, mise-en-scene, historical context and relevance. They will connect how the rage and social currents of that time ripple through the decades and unify young people today. The goal being, you'll learn to watch films more carefully, communicate ideas effectively and develop your arguments persuasively.