POLS 3777 - Politics and Film

The course explores important contemporary political themes through the medium of film. Themes may include the founding of policies, terrorism, race relations, sexual oppression, exploitation in sports, the relationship between war and class, ethics in government, environmental activism, national liberation, patriotism and dissent. The course will explore the nature of film and filmmaking to understand films both in terms of their narrative powers and their capacity to create emotional reactions in their audiences. The course will draw on lesser known independent films as well as those made by major studios and internationally recognized directors. Students will learn how to write critically and creatively about film.