21L.432 / CMS.915 Understanding Television, Spring 2003

The subtitle of the course for the spring 2003 term is "American Television: A Cultural History."

A cultural approach to television's evolution as a technology and system of representation. Considers television as a system of storytelling and myth-making, and as a cultural practice, studied from anthropological, literary, and cinematic perspectives. Focuses on prime-time commercial broadcasting, the medium's technological and economic history, and theoretical perspectives. Much required viewing as well as readings in media theory and cultural interpretation.