American Cinema is an introductory film studies telecourse designed to bring Hollywood film making into clear focus as an art form, as an economic force, and as a system of representation and communication. This telecourse explores how Hollywood films work technically, artistically, and culturally.

These tapes are available for check-out from the Gavilan College Library. All videos are close captioned for the hearing impaired.

In addition, these videos will be aired on the Gavilan Channel 18, part of the Charter Cable TV available in Gilroy, Hollister, and San Juan Bautista. They will also be aired on the Morgan Hill MHAT cable station, channel 19. A broadcast schedule will be posted to this website soon.

Each week, in addition to the videos, you will be required to watch one film that you will need to rent or borrow. For a list of videos to choose from, see the weekly schedule. For more details about the class, please see the class syllabus.

Please review the Film-Making Terms before the midterm and the final exam.

Section 6136 Orientation for this section will be provided at the first class meeting on Wednesday, January 26, at the Gavilan main campus in Gilroy. Subsequent meetings will be held Wednesday, March 23(mid-term exam) and Wednesday, May 25(final exam), 2005.