OLLI at SOU

Film and Ideology in the 1950s NEW!

This course is an introduction to the mindset of 1950s America, as seen through the great and not so great films of the era, including “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” “Them!,” “Blackboard Jungle” and others. The popular anxieties of the 1950s — fear of radiation, communist infiltration and juvenile delinquency, among others — will be on full display. Watching these films from today’s perspective will give students a new understanding not only of the 1950s, but of how popular films convey political messages intended to reinforce or subvert common social values. Due to time constraints, the class will not watch each film during class in its entirety. Students will receive a list of films to be shown if they want to watch the full movie prior to class.

Film and Ideology in the 1950s – In-Person
Item Number: W26ARTS381A
Dates: 1/6/2026 - 2/24/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 8
Maximum Enrollment: 21
Seats Available: 2
Building: Campbell Center
Room: Room C
Instructor: Mark Koerner

This course is an introduction to the mindset of 1950s America, as seen through the great and not so great films of the era, including “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” “Them!,” “Blackboard Jungle” and others. The popular anxieties of the 1950s — fear of radiation, communist infiltration and juvenile delinquency, among others — will be on full display. Watching these films from today’s perspective will give students a new understanding not only of the 1950s, but of how popular films convey political messages intended to reinforce or subvert common social values. Due to time constraints, the class will not watch each film during class in its entirety. Students will receive a list of films to be shown if they want to watch the full movie prior to class.

return to previous page

Some Title

Your Cart