American Television Programming

This course offers a historical and critical survey of the popular program forms in American broadcasting. Topics include the influence of other dramatic arts on television; the role of entertainment programming in the business and social history of American broadcasting; the changing economics of program production, scheduling, and audience research; and the problem of creative authorship in American television. American commercial television will be considered alongside alternative programming from noncommercial and foreign sources. Emphasis is placed on extensive written reports based on readings, lectures, and screenings.