Low budget films have been part of the cinematic landscape since the early decades of the film industry, initially serving as opening acts during theatrical double features, and eventually developing an identity entirely their own. Though often disregarded by mainstream audiences, many B westerns, horror movies, and sci-fi thrillers have come to be appreciated for their campy melodramatic qualities and have inspired penniless filmmakers to take a cue from their ingeniously off-beat, low-budget tactics. Rather than tossing aside these relics of trash culture, here we will examine the appeal of low-budget, camp, and cult films and discuss their value as cultural artifacts worthy of our respect and admiration. In addition we will consider the meaning and implication of low budget productions in our current cultural climate, with the affordability of digital video and the proliferation of modern trash of a different odor - reality TV. This course will include screenings of works by Russ Meyer, Roger Corman, John Waters, George Kuchar, Troma, and many lesser known filmmakers and artists as well as discussions about authenticity, exploitation, innovation, irony, and novelty.