This extensive course will encourage you to engage in critical thinking as we consider the inventions, events, and people that have shaped and influenced American journalism from colonial times to the internet. The impact of technical, economic, political, and cultural developments will be considered as we examine what “freedom of the press” and “the truth” have meant in American society from the Age of Jefferson to the Age of President Trump.

Join us in watching (or re-watching) a series of classic Hollywood films. The instructor will select one film a week being shown on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). You will be given a schedule listing when the films will be shown (mostly at 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm). During the class session, Roger Godin will do a 45-minute presentation about the film, discussing the filmmakers, the stars, and the significance of the film in American film history. He will also analyze the film utilizing stills from the movies and clips of certain key scenes. A question and answer session will follow during which class participants can offer observations about the movie or ask questions.