PS 252a/FS352: POLITICAL FILMS
Dr. James Rhoads Spring 2014 Patterson Hall 303 MC 219 Office Hours: M 12:00-3:00pm W 2:00-5:00 and by appointment Phone: x7255
Course Objectives: The purpose of this directed discussion course is to explore the relationship between film (as an expression of popular culture) and the political realm. We will examine films that are, in the words of scholar Michael Genovese, both politically “explicit” and “implicit.” It is hoped that the course will further stimulate the student to consider the connections between popular culture and political behavior in these media saturated times.
Course Requirements: The class will be conducted in both a lecture and a discussion format. Students will be expected to participate fully in class discussions. Throughout the course students are required to attend each class and keep abreast of their reading assignments. During the term two exams and two “reaction” essays will be required. Additionally, students will make a group presentation, (during the Final Period), examining and analyzing a political film.
Text: Giglio, E. 2007. Here’s Looking At You: Hollywood, Film & Politics. Peter Lang: New York.
Grading: Grades will be determined on the basis of this scale:
2 Exams @ 100 points each 200 2 Reaction Essays @ 25 points each 50 1 Final Presentation @ 100 points 100 Attendance & Participation 25
TOTAL POINTS 375
Letter Grades will be based on this scale:
A 93-100% C 73-76%% A- 90-92% C- 70-72% B+ 87-89% D+ 67-69% B 83-86% D 63-66% B- 80-82% D- 60-62% C+ 77-79% F Below 60%
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Wed Jan 15 Intro/“The In-Laws”/ Discussion READING: Chapter 1
Wed Jan 22 “Argo”/Discussion READING: Chapter 2
Wed Jan 29 “Capitalism: A Love Story”/Discussion READING: Chapter 3
Wed Feb 5 “Ides of March”/ Discussion 1st Reaction Essay Due READING: Chapter 4
Wed Feb 12 “Good Night, and Good Luck”/ Discussion READING: Chapter 5
Wed Feb 19 “Advise and Consent”/ Discussion Reading: Chapter 6
Wed Feb 26 "Frost/Nixon"/ Discussion/ FIRST EXAM DUE
Wed Mar 5 “Inherit the Wind”/ Discussion
Wed Mar 19 “The Client”/ Discussion READING: Chapter 7
Wed Mar 26 “Zero Dark Thirty”/ Discussion/ Reading: Chapters 8 & 9
Wed Apr 3 “Dr. Strangelove”/ Discussion 2nd Reaction Essay Due READING: Chapter 10
Wed Apr 10 “The Believer” / Discussion READING: Chapter 11
Wed Apr 17 “Breach”/ Discussion
Wed Apr 24 "Charade"/ Discussion/ SECOND EXAM DUE
Wed Apr 30 NO CLASS (URAC)
Fri May 9 FINAL EXAM PERIOD 8:00-10:30am
FILMS
“Advise & Consent” (1962): Starring – Henry Fonda, Charles Laughton [139 min]
“Argo” (2013): Starring – Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston [120 min]
“The Believer” (2001): Starring – Ryan Gosling, Summer Phoenix [102 min]
“Breach” (2007): Starring – Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillipe [110 min]
“Capitalism: A Love Story” (2010): Starring – Michael Moore [127 min]
"Charade" (1963): Starring – Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn [113 min]
“The Client” (1994): Starring – Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones, Brad Renfro [119 min]
“Death of a President” (2006): Starring – Hend Ayoub, Brian Boland [97 min]
“Dr. Strangelove (Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb)” (1964): Starring – Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden [93 min]
"Frost/Nixon" (2008): Starring – Frank Langella, Michael Sheen [122 min]
“Good Night, and Good Luck” (2005): Starring – David Straitharn [93 min]
“Ides of March” (2011): Starring – Ryan Gosling, George Clooney [101 min]
“Inherit the Wind” (1960): Starring – Spencer Tracy, Fredric March [128 min]
“The In-Laws” (1979): Starring – Peter Falk, Alan Arkin [103 min]
“Zero Dark Thirty” (2012) -- Starring: Jessica Chastain, Chris Pratt [157 min]