The Western Film Genre and the American Frontier Myth

REVISED

Summer 2012 quarter

Faculty

Mark Harrison theatre, opera, film, performance studies

Fields of Study

American studies and moving image

Description

The Western is the richest and most enduring genre of American film.  It is both formula film and a source of great innovation.  Beginning with Reconstruction, this program will examine the important connections between the Western and the tale of expansion (economic, geographic, ecological, cultural) and violent conquest that is the American frontier myth.  The primary texts for this program will be Richard Slotkin's Gunfighter Nation, James McPherson's Into the West, and The Western by David Lusted.  Supplementary readings will include passages from Richard White’s It’s Your Misfortune and None of My Own, Hollywood Genres by Thomas Schatz, and other short readings. This is a partial online program. Students will need access to a comprehensive source for DVD rentals (such as Netflix, Amazon.com, Deep Discount, etc.) and will be using Moodle for required online seminars.

Advertised Schedule

Required orientation meeting 5-8p Tue, Jun. 26; class meetings: 10a-6p Sat (Jun. 30 - Jul. 28)

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Hybrid Online Learning < 25% Delivered Online

Books

Greener Store

Required Fees

$25 for teaching assistant

Offered During

Weekend

Program Revisions