If you were teaching a class on the late 20th/early 21st century...

In My Humble Opinion
1

…and you could only assign films and television shows, what would you use?

And why?

Obviously, a fair dosing of “reality” TV would have to be included. Even if it were a class I were teaching tomorrow, I’d be interested to know how representative these programs are seen to be of the way people live. And 100 years from now… would they be considered primary source historical documents? A sample of yellow journalism for our times? Some of both?

I think Sopranos would be required viewing. It’s a reasonably good look at the way a suburban family lives, and it explores the way we deal with a lot of our obsessions. Also, it’s a representation of some of the best television our era has.

For film, I think Bowling for Columbine would be indispensible. I’d also consider Magnolia and perhaps American Beauty.

What else?

2

The Simpsons and Star Trek: TNG are the only two I can think of right off hand. The first for its social commentary and its pop culture relevance and the former for much the same, except it also shows an inner look into what I believe the late 80s and early 90s were trying to accomplish morally, for good or bad.

3

American History or World History? My teaching aids for each would be substantially different.

4

Depends on what you’re teaching. History? Psychology? Sociology? Pop Culture?

5

In a recent movies of the 90’s thread, Fight club and Office space were mentioned. Probably Jerry Springer/Ricki Lake. Home Shopping Network, The Superbowl half time show, THe Oscars.