Responses to Julia

Discuss the range of viewer responses to Julia described by Bodrohkozy's article.  Based on your viewing of the pilot and our discussion of television and race in the 1960s, why do you think the show was interpreted so many different ways? 

"Low Brow" Genres

How does Horace Newcomb's essay complicate Newton Minow’s assessment of television as a “vast wasteland”? Why does he believe that 'low brow' genres such as the western can be more complicated than they seem?  Do you agree?  Perhaps give an example of a contemporary 'low brow' show and explain why it might or might not have social relevance. 

Blue Skies

Why do you think that Thomas Streeter titles his essay the way he does?  What do “blue skies” and “strange bedfellows” have to do with 1960s discussions about the possibilities of cable television?  Does the language used around cable at that time sound similar to the way new media technologies are discussed today? Explain. 

Questions about the Midterm!!!/One Free Blog Entry Pass

Dear Class,

You must respond to one of the three previous prompts by next Wednesday's section (I've given you a two day extension in observance of the fall break).

However, I would also encourage EVERY student to post one question here that they have about material on the midterm.

I will be covering the Classic Network Era, the magazine style of advertising, and Bodroghkozy's article on Thursday.  Between your Wednesday section and Thursday's lecture we'd like to answer any questions you may have.

If you post a question about the midterm content here, you receive one PASS for a blog post (thus, you do not have to post one week of your choice during the semester).   Please post! :)  It will only help you and everyone else.  There are no stupid questions.  Fire away!

Best,
Candace

Socially Relevant Coverage in the 1960s

Why did the networks begin to lengthen their news coverage, broadcast presidential debates, and program more socially-relevant documentaries like Crisis during the 1960s?  How did this material illuminate civil rights issues and inflect the way that people understood national politics? 

Dobie!

We can see subculture beginning to be featured in Dobie Gillis. How was this evidenced in the episode we viewed?

Intense Anxieties

Based on your viewing of The Outer Limits episode “The Bellaro
Shield” and understanding of Jeffrey Sconce’s essay on the show,
explain how The Outer Limits expresses and potentially
intensifies particular anxieties prevalent during the early 1960s.