Crímenes reales y Tinseltown: El lado oscuro de la época dorada de Hollywood
Explora el crimen real en los inicios de Hollywood (1900-1950) a través de casos reales, historia y análisis de medios. Este curso de 10 semanas se centra en las historias de las víctimas y examina las estructuras de poder ocultas tras la gran pantalla.
Molly McGill, M.A.
Puntuación media:
4.9
Número de reseñas:(916)
Educador estrella
Popular
Qué está incluido
10 reuniones en vivo
8 horas 20 minutos horas presencialesTareas
1 hora por semana. Weekly responses and reflective journaling will be provided, but optionalCertificado de finalización
incluidoExperiencia de clase
Nivel de inglés - A1
Step into the glittering world of early Hollywood—then peel back the curtain. In this 10-week course, teens will explore true crime cases and systemic injustice hidden beneath the glamor of America’s film industry from 1900 to 1950. This was the golden age of silver screens, but also a time of silencing, exploitation, and coverups. Each session centers real people—especially victims whose lives were overshadowed by fame, studio power, and a media culture obsessed with scandal. Together, we’ll analyze the historical context, understand how the studio system enabled abuse, and explore how the press shaped public perception of crime, gender, and race. With a blend of storytelling, discussion, timelines, and reflective journaling, learners will think critically about justice, media, and the legacy of Hollywood’s hidden past. Who is this class for? This class is designed for mature learners (14–18) interested in: True crime through a historical and ethical lens Hollywood and entertainment history Social justice and media studies Critical discussion and empathy-based storytelling We will discuss mature themes including murder, sexism, racism, mental health, and abuse—but always from a respectful, educational perspective. Content will be thoughtfully framed and never sensationalized.
Metas de aprendizaje
Analyze true crime stories within the social and historical context of early Hollywood (1900–1950).Identify patterns of abuse, exploitation, and media manipulation in the entertainment industry.
Programa de estudios
Plan de estudios
Sigue en plan de estudios Teacher-Created10 Lecciones
más de 10 semanasLección 1:
Welcome to Old Hollywood
ntro to the Hollywood studio system, star-making machinery, and overview of the era’s glamor vs. reality. 50 minutos de lección en vivo en línea
Lección 2:
The Case of Olive Thomas (1920)
A popular silent film actress who died mysteriously in Paris. What role did the press and her husband’s career play in shaping her story? 50 minutos de lección en vivo en línea
Lección 3:
Virginia Rappe & the Fatty Arbuckle Scandal (1921)
A case wrapped in studio cover-ups, victim-blaming, and media frenzy. Virginia Rappe died after a party hosted by comedian Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle. The scandal destroyed careers and exposed how Hollywood managed reputation at the expense of women. 50 minutos de lección en vivo en línea
Lección 4:
The William Desmond Taylor Murder (1922)
A famous director murdered—actresses, drugs, and coverups dominate the press. This case helped lead to the formation of the Hays Code, which restricted all film content through the 1960s. 50 minutos de lección en vivo en línea
Otros detalles
Necesidades de aprendizaje
I welcome all learners and strive to create a respectful, inclusive classroom where students feel safe engaging with complex topics. If your learner has unique learning needs—such as anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or neurodivergence—please
Orientación para padres
This course explores true crime cases from Hollywood’s early decades (1900–1950) through the lens of history, media literacy, and victim-centered storytelling. Some cases involve mature themes, including sexual assault, abuse of power, and gender-based violence. These topics are presented with sensitivity and care, in an educational context that prioritizes empathy and critical thinking—not shock value.
We will not use any graphic imagery or crime scene photos, and will avoid sensationalizing or glorifying the crimes. Instead, our focus remains on understanding the broader cultural and systemic issues that allowed these events to occur—and how media shaped the way they were remembered.
This course is best suited for mature learners ages 14–18 who are ready to engage with real-world topics in a respectful, thoughtful environment. Parental discretion is advised.
Requisitos previos
There are no formal prerequisites for this course, but learners will get the most out of it if they:
Are comfortable discussing real-world events with empathy and maturity
Can engage respectfully with topics like violence, injustice, and
Recursos externos
Los estudiantes no necesitarán utilizar ninguna aplicación o sitio web más allá de las herramientas estándar de Outschool.
Fuentes
These resources were selected to develop the course and are recommended to help learners explore the cultural, historical, and media contexts of Hollywood through a critical and compassionate lens. None are required reading, but all support deeper engagement with course themes.
Books:
City of Nets by Otto Friedrich
Complicated Women by Mick LaSalle
Tinseltown by William J. Mann
The Star Machine by Jeanine Basinger
Media History Digital Library
Podcasts
You Must Remember This by Karina Longworth
Hollywood & Crime
Crime Show (by Vox)
Death of a Starlet (Wondery)
Online Archives:
Newspapers.com
Los Angeles Times Archive
The FBI Vault
Se unió el September, 2018
4.9
916reseñas
Educador estrella
Popular
Experiencia y certificaciones del docente
Maestría en Historia desde University of Colorado at Boulder
As an educator with a Master’s degree focused on film and art history, I bring a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and artistic forces that shaped Hollywood’s development—both on screen and behind the scenes. My academic work centers the historical context of film production, including how power structures, media narratives, and visual culture have shaped public perception over time.
In this course, I combine that expertise with a commitment to critical thinking and ethical storytelling, helping learners explore true crime through a lens of empathy, media literacy, and historical awareness. My goal is to create a space where students can ask thoughtful questions, understand the complexities of early Hollywood, and develop tools to analyze the past—and the media they engage with today.Reseñas
Curso grupal en vivo
13 US$
semanalmente1 x por semana, 10 semanas
50 min
Videoconferencias en vivo
Edades: 14-18
4-10 alumnos por clase
