TV History moves chronologically through different moments in 20th and 21st century U.S. history, from the golden age of radio to the rise of the major networks, cable TV, and online streaming, to explore television's major role in shaping American culture. By the end of Television History, students should be able to: substantiate arguments about the role of television in U.S. culture; explain various ways U.S. television negotiated and continues to negotiate social difference; discuss the implications of changes in the structure, form, delivery, and reception of American television; identify prominent narrative, stylistic, and generic traits in different types of television programming; and recognize the central questions and issues that shape the study of television.

Course Requirements:

Attendance at lectures, sections, and screenings
Screening/reading responses
Research project
Exams (midterm & final)

Intended Audience:

This course provides a foundation for undergraduate students who wish to take further courses in U.S. television, radio, film, or media studies, or who wish to become media-makers themselves. It is also useful for American studies or American history students with an interest in television's cultural impact.

Class Format:

In person lecture, discussion, and screening.