TELEVISION and the AMERICAN

CULTURE
DRAM 3323

Tom Bywaters
JO 5.102
Phone: 214 219-4481
Office Hours by Appointment
Email : tombyutd@aol.com
Class meets Wednesdays : 3:30 - 6:15 in AS1.105

Recommended reading text:

Tube of Plenty, The Evolution of American Television, Erik Barnouw , Oxford University
Press New York/ Oxford 1990

Course Description:

The class will learn evolution of television from the 1950’s to 2005 and beyond. I will
cover information about the early formation of networks and the business of television,
but the primary concern of this class is to see how television has affected and changed the
way Americans look at themselves, their morals, their conventions, the world, patriotism
etc. On the other hand how did the American Culture change television programming in
all aspects, sitcoms, nighttime drama (CSI), Soap Operas, Made for TV movies, News,
documentaries, tabloid television, etc.

Objectives:

To understand the evolution of television and its symbiotic relationship to ALL aspects of
American Culture/ Way of Life/ Morality/Politics, etc/

I will divide television into the following areas to see at the ways that America‘s
perception of the following areas has changed:

The family, Women, Sex, Race Relations, News, War, Crime, Westerns, Reality, Teens,
politics, religion, sports, Popular Music, Poverty, Sociological inequities, fashion trends,
world events, history, science, life style improvements travel, etc.

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Evaluation:

Your grade will be based on the following breakdown:

Class participation 100

Papers in Class 100
Papers assigned 100
Final Paper 200

Out of a possible 500:

A 500-470
A- 469-450
B+ 449-430
B 429-415
B- 414-395
C+ 394-380
C 379-365
C- 364-345
D+ 344-320
D 319-295
D- 294-270

Class Participation:

Your participation in class is central to this class.

This is the time you should be asking questions and airing your ideas and thought.
Remember: There are no stupid questions or ideas. The only stupid thing is not
expressing yourself. From some of the worst ideas I have ever heard have come a
distillation by discussion to some of the best television programs.

Class Work

There will be in class written work. Some will be your own creative thinking and
opinions; some will be from my past lectures.

There will be assigned papers on various topics throughout the term.

There will be a final paper due which will act as a final exam. Dues dates TBA.

Office Hours:

I work one-on-one with students. I want to know what your individual goals are. At the

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beginning of this term I would like for each of you to make an appointment with me.

Throughout the term if you need to see me for any reason we will arrange a mutually
convenient time.

I strongly believe in one-on-one interaction. Come and see me sooner rather than later if
you are having any problems.

Attendance:

Since my lectures will cover the essence material based on my life long career n the
television industry and there is no textbook that I will be following, it is imperative that
you come to class.

I have some strong ideas about attendance.

If you miss classes without a legitimate excuse (see below) these are the penalties:

Miss class and I will deduct points from you highest possible mark

two classes -51 B+

three classes -100 B-
four classes -130 C
five classes F for the term

If you miss class you must have medical documentation from your doctor or the clinic. If
your car breaks down or you get a ticket; show me the repair bill or the time-dated ticket.
Funerals etc. letter from parents or funeral home, temple or church.

Special Requests

University Policy

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