FTS 1400 B (CRN: 95817)

Film & Television Studies: History of Television (B)

3 credit hours

For crosslists see:

About FTS 1400 B

Introduction to basic television history, theory and analysis. An historical overview of television from its invention to the present.

Notes

FTS majors and minors only during the week of registration Co-located with FTS 1400 A Total combined enrollment = 100 Open to degree and PACE students

Section Description

Course Description
The class will study the history of television from its origins in radio broadcasting to the latest transformations in streaming television. We will focus on television as a communications and cultural medium by analyzing the structure of the television industry, television’s role within American society, and television as a site of cultural production. The class will also consider fundamental theoretical issues in television studies. The primary objective of this class is to provide the basic analytic skills necessary to use television history to better understand America’s social and cultural history and identity.

At the end of this course, you should be able to…
• Describe and analyze how television shapes, and is shaped by, American culture at key historical moments
• Learn the terminology and skills necessary to analyze television technology, industry, formal representations and texts, and audiences in their historical contexts
• Learn foundational concepts in television studies and how to apply those concepts to specific examples
• Connect broadcasting history to contemporary media
• Analyze how social and cultural identity (e.g. gender, race, class, sexuality) are implicated in television historically and how those histories affect contemporary television
• Explore major theoretical approaches the study of television and television history

This course fulfills the Catamount Core Arts & Literature (AH1) requirement, including the following objectives:
• Learn to recognize selected forms, genres, and traditions of artistic work
• Practice the creation of artistic works and/or the analysis of creative works, in each case using methods appropriate to the form
• Develop critical thinking skills needed to examine artistic works as they relate to social formations, practices, and/or problems

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Last Day to Add
Last Day to Drop
Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund
Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund
Last Day to Withdraw

Resources

Other Sections

Remind Me Form

Remind yourself about FTS 1400 B.

We'll send you a reminder before Fall 2026 registration begins.