COR 415 WHY WERE THESE BOOKS BANNED
Who controls what we read and view in the United States? How does the First Amendment of the Constitution protect our rights for accessing books and films? Where does it fall short? Under what context(s) has censorship been necessary and/or misused? This interdisciplinary seminar will examine a diverse array of banned books and controversial films throughout the history of the United States. Governmental decisions for banning media, as well as books banned by school districts and communities will be studied. Using historical, sociological, and political lenses, students will read/view and examine a variety of banned books and controversial films. Topics will include the freedom to read, the First Amendment, dynamics of power, the creation of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), democracy and its implications, morality, and access for all demographics. Implications for policy will be made regarding the future of banning books and films. This course is writing intensive. Open to students in the third or fourth year of study.