Lecture/screenings, four hours; discussion, one hour. Critical survey of American television history from its inception to present. Examination of interrelationships between program forms, industrial paradigms, social trends, and culture. Starting with television's hybrid origins in radio, theater, and film, contextualization, viewing, and discussion of key television shows, as well as Hollywood films that comment on radio and television. Consideration of television programs and series in terms of sociocultural issues (consumerism, lifestyle, gender, race, national identity) and industrial practice (programming, policy, regulation, business). Letter grading.