Sophomore Seminar (TASS) | 2013 Programs
INDIANA UNIVERSITY PROGRAM
Race Films in a ‘Post-Race’ America? Film Studies and Critical Spectatorship
Indiana University, Bloomington
June 23 – August 3, 2013
Faculty: Audrey T. McCluskey, Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, Indiana University; and Natasha C. Vaubel, Department of Comparative Literature, Indiana University, and Assistant Editor of Black Camera: An International Film Journal
Tutors: Alexander Bolden, Bates College; and Samantha Renker, University of Tulsa
In our digital age, key public debates play out in all forms of media, and most people get news and shape their views from visual sources. Yet, today’s youth are especially lacking in critical visual literacy. They possess few of the skills needed to analyze and evaluate media constructions, meanings, and social messages, particularly those that are racially inscribed and socially complex. For example, how should we evaluate the media’s treatment of the presidency of Barack Obama, or the killing of teenager Trayvon Martin? Some argue that our black president signifies the end of U.S. racism; others point to the murder of Martin as proof that racism still pervades our society. This course will explore how contemporary media portray race and identity, whether with intentional criticism or unwitting re-use of stereotypical images and ideas. Using film as our primary medium, we will examine the socio-historical impact of specific films and movements. Our objective is to enable students to become knowledgeable about film culture and critical consumers of visual culture.
We will examine historical representations of African Americans in Hollywood films, and responses by African American filmmakers. We will proceed both chronologically and topically, from the first “race films” of the 1920s, to Hollywood “Social Problem” films of the 1940s and 1950s, to the “Blaxploitation” and Black Independent films of the 1970s, to the 1990s “Hood” films, to 21st century films that explore contemporary issues and events, such as Hurricane Katrina. Among the filmmakers we will explore are Oscar Micheaux, Julie Dash, Spike Lee, and Tanya Hamilton. We will also study film genres including western, comedy, drama, and documentary, and draw upon the extensive resources of the Black Film Center/Archive.
We will examine historical representations of African Americans in Hollywood films, and responses by African American filmmakers. We will proceed both chronologically and topically, from the first “race films” of the 1920s, to Hollywood “Social Problem” films of the 1940s and 1950s, to the “Blaxploitation” and Black Independent films of the 1970s, to the 1990s “Hood” films, to 21st century films that explore contemporary issues and events, such as Hurricane Katrina. Among the filmmakers we will explore are Oscar Micheaux, Julie Dash, Spike Lee, and Tanya Hamilton. We will also study film genres including western, comedy, drama, and documentary, and draw upon the extensive resources of the Black Film Center/Archive.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN TASS PROGRAM
Race, Ethnicity, and Difference in Modern Medicine and Society
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
June 23 – August 3, 2013
Faculty: Barbara Berglund, Department of History, University of South Florida; and Alexandra Stern, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Culture, and History, University of Michigan
Tutors: David Luna, Columbia University; and Morgan Whittler, Loyola University
In recent years, stories and controversies related to health care have dominated U.S. headlines and political debates, exposing startling inequities in health care delivery and health status in American society. While some Americans can enjoy top-notch medical care and insurance coverage, others find themselves in the precarious situation of forgoing health care because of cost. In some parts of the country, life expectancies are on par with the healthiest nations on earth. But in others, the life expectancy for preschoolers is the same as for those in the world’s poorest countries. These life and death disparities—which can be a difference of as much as 25 years in a person’s expected lifespan— can actually be mapped by U.S. zip code. Zip codes with the lowest life expectancy also tend to have high percentages of low-income residents and people of color.
This course will explore the historical patterns and roots of divergent levels of health status and experiences in America across race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality. We will examine how racism and sexism have influenced health patterns and the delivery of medical care, the stigmatization of immigrants as disease carriers, and how the appearance of AIDs shaped attitudes and policies related to sexuality and difference. We will also learn about the role of community activism in health care and investigate political attempts to address ethical problems and health inequities on local, national, and international levels. Through readings, films, discussions, and writing assignments, the course will grapple with such topics as slavery and health, racism and human experimentation in medicine, the Black Panther Party and its fight against medical discrimination, and forced sterilization programs at home and abroad. Students will learn new ways to meaningfully engage and contextualize contemporary debates about health care in America, while they strengthen their critical reading and writing skills.
This course will explore the historical patterns and roots of divergent levels of health status and experiences in America across race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality. We will examine how racism and sexism have influenced health patterns and the delivery of medical care, the stigmatization of immigrants as disease carriers, and how the appearance of AIDs shaped attitudes and policies related to sexuality and difference. We will also learn about the role of community activism in health care and investigate political attempts to address ethical problems and health inequities on local, national, and international levels. Through readings, films, discussions, and writing assignments, the course will grapple with such topics as slavery and health, racism and human experimentation in medicine, the Black Panther Party and its fight against medical discrimination, and forced sterilization programs at home and abroad. Students will learn new ways to meaningfully engage and contextualize contemporary debates about health care in America, while they strengthen their critical reading and writing skills.
