M*A*S*H – The Novel, the Film, the TV Series

In the history of television, M*A*S*H is one of the most successful TV series which, strikingly enough for a sitcom, deals with a serious topic, the war in Korea. Before analyzing selected episodes from each season we will start with the origin of the TV series, the novel by Richard Hooker, which is followed by its first adaptation on celluloid, Robert Altman's movie of the same title. We will look at the approaches that the different genres take, and in what way the TV series changes within its eleven seasons. Since most of our sessions either deal with the movie or episodes of the TV Series, one requirement for every participant will be to watch these. For that I'll offer screenings on Wednesday 4-5:30 p.m.. Furthermore students are asked to get a hold of Richard Hooker's novel M*A*S*H which needs to be read by the second meeting of class.