MCCCD Program Description

History and Film

Course: HUM220

First Term: 2019 Summer

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: Presents historically based films and analyzes their accuracy, filmmaking techniques, and their value as cinematic historical records of U.S. and global events.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Analyze U.S. and global films critically, particularly for historical content and cultural impact. (I, II, III, VIII) 2. Evaluate films for their historical and fictional elements as a source of historical and cultural insight. (I, III, V, VI, VIII) 3. Examine film as an historical and cultural artifact. (III, IV, V, VI, VII) 4. Evaluate film elements for content, theme and formal elements within their historical content and cultural content. (I, II, III, V, VI, VIII) 5. Evaluate the cultural impact of U.S. and global historical films. (I, VI, VII) 6. Analyze the value of historical films and documentaries as primary or secondary sources. (III, IV, VIII) 7. Describe the trends and sub-genres within historical films. (I, II, V, VI, VIII) 8. Evaluate film as a medium for historical biographies and for historical literature. (I III, V, VI, VII, VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Significance of Historical Films A. Introduction of the feature length narrative film B. Nationalistic expression C. Existing historical source material D. Actualities and documentaries II. Understanding Film A. A brief history of the medium B. The cultural influence of film C. Formal elements of filmmaking D. Globalization of film III. Assessing Film`s Historical Content A. Comparison to primary and secondary sources B. Reactions of historians C. Compare and contrast differing film versions of same historical event D. Analyze fact and fiction of historical films IV. Documentaries as Primary and Secondary Sources A. Actualities B. Docudramas C. Propaganda documentaries D. Combat cameramen V. Historical Biographies A. Representative U.S. films B. Representative global films C. Literary adaptations vs. written for the screen VI. Historical Fiction A. Fictionalized accounts of historical events B. Historical events as narrative cackdrops C. Literary adaptations VII. Film as Cultural Artifact A. National identity B. Social issues C. The arts D. Diversity E. Multiculturalism VIII. The History of the World on Film A. The ancient world B. Medieval era C. Renaissance D. Revolution and settlement E. World War I F. World War II G. Vietnam H. Political issues

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 10/23/2012

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.