POL 3307 Politics and Film: Power & Persuasion
The phrase 'Lights, Camera, Action' is normally associated with Hollywood and film making; however, many people do, in fact, get their ideas about politicians and the political system from movies. When the 'lights' go on and the camera 'rolls,' how much do films tell us about the political system and the way political actors behave in the United States? Power is often defined as the 'currency of politics' and political actors exercise power in different ways. This course will explore how films depict the 'practice of politics' along with the relationship films have on culture, ideas, beliefs, and perceptions of politics and the political system. Students will critically review and analyze films and explore the way political theories and concepts are depicted.