This course explores the ways in which visual media, such as film and photography, have influenced and shaped our understanding of history and historical events throughout the 20th century. Through an in-depth analysis of primary sources and key theoretical concepts, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the complex relationship between visual media and historical interpretation.
The course is divided into four modules, each of which focuses on a different aspect of this relationship. In the first module, students will be introduced to the key concepts and theoretical frameworks that underpin the course, including ideas about the power of visual media to shape public opinion and construct historical narratives.
The second module will delve into the role of visual media in propaganda and the creation of national myths. Students will explore how governments have used film and photography to manipulate public opinion during times of war and other crises, and how this has influenced our understanding of historical events.
The third module will examine the role of photography in documenting social movements and political change. Students will learn about the use of photography by activists and journalists to capture and disseminate images of historical events, and how this has contributed to our understanding of important social and political movements.
Finally, the fourth module will focus on the use of film as a tool for creating historical narratives. Students will explore how filmmakers have used the medium to construct and disseminate historical stories, and how this has influenced popular perceptions of the past.
Throughout the course, students will engage with a range of primary sources, including films, photographs, and historical documents. They will also be encouraged to think critically about the ways in which visual media shapes our understanding of the past, and to consider the implications of this for our understanding of the present.
By the end of the course, students will have developed a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between visual media and history, and will be able to apply this knowledge to their own research and analysis. Overall, this course offers a fascinating exploration of the power of visual media to shape our understanding of the past, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in history, media studies, or visual culture.
Course Content:
Course Structure:
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Week 1: Introduction to Film and Historical Interpretation
- Lecture 1: The Camera Never Lies: An Introduction to Film and History
- Lecture 2: The Rise of Film and the Birth of Cinema
- Lecture 3: The Art of Historical Filmmaking
- Reading: "The Historical Film: History and Memory in Media"
- Quiz and Assignment
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Week 2: Propaganda and Historical Memory
- Lecture 4: Propaganda and the Shaping of Historical Memory
- Lecture 5: The Nazis and Propaganda in Film
- Lecture 6: Soviet Cinema and the Construction of a New Society
- Reading: "Nazi Propaganda and the Second World War"
- Quiz and Assignment
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Week 3: Documentary Photography and Social Movements
- Lecture 7: Photography and the Power of Image
- Lecture 8: The Civil Rights Movement and Documentary Photography
- Lecture 9: Vietnam and the Role of War Photography
- Reading: "Photography, Memory, and War"
- Quiz and Assignment
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Week 4: Film, Images, and Cultural Attitudes
- Lecture 10: The Evolution of Cultural Attitudes in Film
- Lecture 11: Hollywood and the Representation of Minorities
- Lecture 12: The Portrayal of Women in Film
- Reading: "Film and Culture"
- Quiz and Assignment
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Week 5: Final Project
- Final Project Assignment and Peer Review
Course Length: 5 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Who should take this course? This course is designed for anyone interested in the intersection of film, images, and history. It is particularly relevant for students of history, media studies, and cultural studies, as well as anyone interested in how media shapes our understanding of the past.
Reviews:
This course Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century: The Camera Never Lies by Dr. Emmett Sullivan on Coursera has received positive reviews from learners. The course covers a wide range of topics related to film and historical interpretation, including propaganda, documentary photography, and cultural attitudes. The course structure is well-organized and the lectures are engaging and informative. The assignments and quizzes are designed to reinforce the material covered in the lectures and encourage critical thinking.
Pros:
- The course covers a wide range of topics related to film and historical interpretation, including propaganda, documentary photography, and cultural attitudes.
- The course structure is well-organized, with each week focusing on a specific theme and corresponding readings, lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
- The lectures are engaging and informative, with Dr. Sullivan providing clear explanations and examples.
- The course is accessible to beginners and does not require any prior knowledge of the subject matter.
- The assignments and quizzes are designed to reinforce the material covered in the lectures and encourage critical thinking.
Cons:
- Some learners have noted that the course may be too broad and not go into enough depth on specific topics.
- The course may not provide enough challenge for more advanced learners.
- The reading materials may be too dense or academic for some learners.
Overall, the course is a solid introduction to the subject of film, images, and historical interpretation. While it may not go into great depth on specific topics, it provides a broad overview and lays a foundation for further study. The course is well-organized and the lectures are engaging and informative, making it accessible to learners of all levels.
At this time, the course has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 310 ratings
What you'll learn:
After completing the course Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century: The Camera Never Lies by Dr. Emmett Sullivan on Coursera, learners may have gained the following skills:
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Critical analysis of film and photographic sources: Learners will have developed the ability to analyze films and photographic sources critically, identifying underlying messages, propaganda, and cultural attitudes.
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Understanding of historical interpretation: Learners will have gained an understanding of the various interpretations of historical events and how films and images have influenced and shaped these interpretations.
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Familiarity with key concepts and theories: Learners will have been introduced to key concepts and theories related to film, images, and historical interpretation, including realism, subjectivity, and cultural memory.
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Research skills: Learners will have developed research skills, including the ability to identify and evaluate primary and secondary sources related to film and historical interpretation.
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Communication skills: Learners will have improved their written and verbal communication skills through the completion of assignments, quizzes, and forum discussions.
Overall, learners who complete this course will have a solid foundation in the intersection of film, images, and historical interpretation and will have gained a set of skills that are valuable in a variety of academic and professional contexts.
Author:
Dr. Emmett Sullivan is a highly respected historian and educator who specializes in the study of film, photography, and visual culture. He received his Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has taught at a number of prestigious institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Virginia, and the University of Michigan.
Dr. Sullivan's research focuses on the role of visual media in shaping historical memory and public opinion. He has written extensively on topics such as war photography, propaganda films, and documentary photography, and has published several highly regarded books on these subjects.
As an educator, Dr. Sullivan is known for his engaging teaching style and his ability to make complex concepts accessible to learners of all levels. He has received numerous awards for his teaching, including the Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Michigan, and is highly regarded by both his peers and his students.
Overall, Dr. Sullivan is a highly accomplished historian and educator whose expertise in the study of film, photography, and visual culture has made him a leading figure in his field. His teaching and research have made significant contributions to our understanding of the role of visual media in shaping historical memory, and his work continues to influence scholars and educators around the world.
Requirements:
The course Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century: The Camera Never Lies by Dr. Emmett Sullivan on Coursera has several key requirements that learners are expected to meet. These include:
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Time commitment: The course is designed to be completed over a period of 4 weeks, with a suggested time commitment of 4-6 hours per week.
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Language proficiency: Learners should be comfortable with reading and understanding academic English, as the course materials and assignments are presented in English.
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Access to technology: Learners will need access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection in order to access the course materials and participate in the online discussions.
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Active engagement: Learners are expected to actively engage with the course materials, including readings, videos, and other resources, as well as to participate in online discussions and complete a series of assignments.
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Critical thinking skills: The course is designed to develop learners' critical thinking skills, and learners will be expected to engage in thoughtful analysis and interpretation of the course materials.
Overall, the course is designed to challenge learners and to encourage them to think critically about the role of film, images, and visual media in shaping historical interpretation. By meeting these requirements and actively engaging with the course materials, learners will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between visual media and history in the 20th century.
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