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P.S. 470/570 Topics: Politics in Film

Summer 2001

M-F 12:45-2:15 MH 206

Dr. Joe Kunkel Phone: 389-6930

109C Morris Hall FAX: 389-6377

EMAIL: joseph.kunkel@mnsu.edu WEB: http:krypton.mnsu.edu/~jak3

OFFICE HOURS

Mon 11:00 am -12:00 pm 2:30-3:30 pm

Tue 11:00 am -12:00 pm 2:30-3:30 pm

Wed 11:00 am -12:00 pm 2:30-3:30 pm

Thurs 11:00 am -12:00 pm 2:30-3:30 pm

Fri 11:00 am -12:00 pm 2:30-3:30 pm

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is intended to be an introduction to political thinking using popular films. It is not a course on film. We will use films as historical and ideological artifacts; to learn how some Americans thought about political questions at various times. We will also try to use films to understand political institutions and processes.

Subject Matter Goals

1.Learn about political ideologies of different periods of recent U.S. history.

2. Learn about U.S. political institutions and processes.

3. Consider the ethical choices by decisions on political strategy, tactics or policy.

4. Practice using political perspectives to appreciate and critique films, entertainment and popular culture. Increase awareness of political messages in popular entertainment

5. Appreciate the importance of entertainment as a reflection of and shaper of political attitudes.

Liberal Arts and Academic Values

6.Develop an openness to new ideas

7. Develop a more informed historical perspective

Personal Development

8. Develop capacity to think for one’s self.

9. Develop a commitment to one’s own values.

REQUIRED READING

All Students:

Kelley, Beverly Merrill and John J. Ptiney, Jr., Craig R. Smith, and Herbert E. Gooch III. 1998. Reelpolitics: Political Ideologies in '30's and '40's Films. Praeger, Westport, Conn.

Graduate Students Only:

Nimmo, Dan and James E. Combs. 1990. Mediated Political Realities. Second Edition. Longman; New York.

EVALUATION your grade will be based on the basis of the following requirements:

	Undergraduates	Graduate Students
Journal	60 (12 entries X 5 pts each)	60 (12 entries X 5 pts each)
Participation	20	20
Midterm Exam	80	80
Final Exam	80	80
In-Class Review	20	20
Nimmo Presentations		50 (5 X 10 points each)
Nimmo Written Review		50
TOTAL	260	360

GRADING Course grades will be based on your percent of the total points. To calculate your final average, divide your total points by the maximum total points.

Undergraduates: A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60 - 69 F = below 60

Grad Students: A = 93-100 B = 83-92 C = 70-82 D = 60 - 69 F = below 60

EXAMS There will be two examinations. The exams will cover the lecture material, book(s) and questions on the films. Each exam will probably consist of multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blank and short answer or essay questions. The second exam will focus on material since the midterm but might ask you to compare and contrast certain films, ideologies or issues raised before the midterm. The professor will discuss the exact format prior to the exam.

JOURNAL

A journal is required in which you will summarize and critique each film. This includes the ten films scheduled for in-class viewing and the two films you will view on your own. The journal entries should be put in a folder that binds the pages together. Put your name on the outside of the folder.

For each film and class topic you should write a two-page review, giving some basic summary information and your reaction to the political aspects of the film. The "political aspects" of the film should involve the insights of the reading (or lack thereof) and the course objectives, especially #1, 2 and 3. Please type the journal reviews. Identify the assignment clearly typing or writing for example “ Review #1: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." The journal will be collected three times. Turn in the entire journal each time, not just the most recent reviews.

ADDITIONAL FILMS & IN-CLASS REVIEW

All students are required to view two additional "political films" outside of class and review one of them before the class. Together (with another student who viewed the same film), talk (together) about 10 minutes, leaving 5 minutes for discussion. The in-class review will be due on an assigned date, with only one pair on a given day. A list of some additional political films will be distributed. You may review films not on the list but must get the approval of the professor.

In your review give some synopsis of the plot, background on the film and put it in historical context. Touch on the themes and course objectives emphasized in other films:

1. Ideology or political viewpoint presented by the filmmakers

2. Institutional Lessons. What do the films teach (correctly or incorrectly) about political institutions or processes?

3. Ethical choices. What moral or ethical dimensions of political issues are raised by the film?

PARTICIPATION

The quality and quantity of your participation and discussion in class is part of your grade. Participation means speaking and listening, not just listening.

NIMMO PRESENTATIONS (Grad Students only)

Graduate students will talk with the class about chapters in the Nimmo book. Certain chapters will be due on certain days. You should both summarize and critique the chapters. These presentations should be about 10 to 15 minutes in length.

NIMMO BOOK REVIEW (Graduate Students only)

Write a review of the Nimmo book. This review should be an essay of 4 –5 pages in length and should be typed, double-spaced with 1 inch margins (top, bottom, sides), 10 or 12 point font. In your review you should try to clearly and objectively summarize the central arguments of the author. You should also give your opinion and reaction giving strengths and weaknesses. The quality of your writing will affect the grade so do your best.

LATE WORK

It is your responsibility to complete work on schedule. If this is not possible you must speak with the professor before the work is due to make other arrangements. If this is not possible you must speak with the professor very soon after the work is due. Failure to meet your responsibilities will result in a 5% penalty for each school day (MTWRF). If you are unable to reach the professor before a due date, leave a message with the P.S. Department Office (389-2721).

ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS

The professor is employed by the university to help students learn. Too often students wait until they are in academic trouble before seeking assistance. You are encouraged to visit with the professor as soon as you need help. This goes for everyone. Students with disabilities are particularly invited to meet with the professor to discuss any special instructional needs they may have.

SYLLABUS

The syllabus may be changed. Any changes will be announced in class with the opportunity for student opinions to be heard. The schedule of films and topics is subject to change without notice

CALENDAR

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
May 21 Course Intro Politics & Films	May 22 Read Reelpolitik ch. 1,2 Populism 1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 129m	May 23 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington	May 24 Nimmo Review Intro and ch. 1 2. Dave 105 m	May 25 Dave
May 28 No Class	May 29 Read Reelpolitik ch. 3 Elitism JOURNAL 1-2 3. Wall Street 124 m	May 30 The Contender John Chindvall Todd Jourdan Wall Street	May 31 Nimmo Review Intro, ch. 2, 3,4 Read Reelpolitik ch. 4 Fascism 4. Triumph of the Will 55 m	June 1 Triumph of the Will
June 4 Read Ch. 8 Interest Groups WORKSHEETS DUE Read Reelpolitik ch. 5 Antifascism Medium Cool Chris Truscott Maureen Johnson 5. All the Kings Men 109 m	June 5 Apocolypse Now Rebecca Richter Parrish Jones All the Kings Men	June 6 MIDTERM EXAM Traffic Chris Boyce Holly Defeyter	June 7 Read Reelpolitik ch. 6 Internationalism 6. Casablanca 102 m	June8 Read Ch. 10 Elections WORKSHEETS DUE Nimmo Review Intro, ch. 5, 6 Platoon Matt Nordquist Andy Tschida Casablanca
June 11 Read Reelpolitik ch. 7 Isolationism 7. All Quiet on the Western Front 133 m	June 12 Network Jill Kneip Mike Riley JOURNAL 3-6 All Quiet on the Western Front	June 13 Nimmo Review Intro, ch. 7, 8, 9 8. Born on the 4^th of July 144 m	June 14 JFK Jeremy Casper Shannon Carty Born on the 4^th of July	June 15 Read Reelpolitik ch. 8 Communism 9. Reds 200 m
June 18 Read Reelpolitik ch. 9 Anticommunism Reds	June 19 Nimmo Review Intro, ch. 10, 11	June 20 Read Reelpolitik ch. 10 Conclusion Cynicism 10. Wag the Dog 97 m	June 21 Wag the Dog	June 22 FINAL EXAM JOURNAL 7-10 and two extras