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Govt 3340 Dr.

Greg Thielemann
Fall 2005 Green 2.534
T 2-4:40 972-883-2048
MC 2.410 gregt@utdallas.edu
Office Hours: TR 11-12:30. T: 4:45-5:45

This course is a survey course examining the political nature of film and its’ importance to
American culture. The course is designed to introduce students to the evolution of political film
and its role in reflecting and shaping political attitudes. The course will involve the screening of
11 films and the reading of critical analyses related to the films and their historical context. At
the conclusion of each screening a discussion will take place that links the readings to the film.
Students are responsible for completing the reading assignments prior to the screening and being
prepared to relate the readings to the film at its conclusion. Some films will screen for the entire
class period so students should be on time and not plan on leaving early.

Text:
Here’s Looking at You, by Ernest Giglio 2003
Politics & Politicians in American Film, Phillip Gianos 1999

In addition, a reserve reading will be placed in the library.

Attendance:

I expect all students to attend class. Over the term I will give 5 pop quizzes. You may drop one.
The four highest scores will account for 20 percent of your final grade.

Grading:
Best 4 of 5 Quizzes 20%
Exam 1 25%
Exam 2 25%
Term Paper 30%

I do not give make-up exams after the fact. If you are going to miss an exam you must advise
me at least one week prior to the exam date so that I can make arrangements for you to take an
early make-up exam. In addition, be aware that UTD’s complicated grading system prevents me
from assigning a numerical equivalent to the grade before the conclusion of the term. I will
guarantee that scores in the 90s and 100 will be an A+, an A, or an A-. I will not make more
specific assignments until the end of the term.

Extra Credit

Any opportunities will be announced if they become available.


Term Paper:

Your assignment is to write an essay based upon your review of three related films. A separate
sheet will follow detailing potential options, but for now you should be aware that the paper must
be at least 7 pages in length with margins no greater than one inch on any side. It must be typed,
double spaced with characters no larger than 12. It will be due November 1, 2005 at 2:00 p.m.
Late papers will lose multiple letter grades.

Course Outline

Readings (numbers are chapters)


Topics (reserve readings in italics)
8-23 Introductory Lecture

8-30 Lecture 1 Gianos 1-2; Giglio 1-2

9-06 The Grapes of Wrath Gianos 4

9-13 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Gianos 3

9-20 Lifeboat Gianos 5; Giglio 8

9-27 Exam 1

10-4 Lecture 2 Giglio 4-6

10-11 All The Kings Men Gianos 7

10-18 The Manchurian Candidate Gianos 6

10-25 The Candidate

11-1 Being There Parenti Reserve- Chapter 6

11-8 All the President’s Men Giglio 3

11-15 Bullworth

11-22 Exam 2
The Term Paper

The purpose of this assignment is to force you to critically examine three films on a related topic.
You will need to know something about the topic before screening the films and will be expected
to incorporate this knowledge into your essay. After viewing the films you are expected to write
and essay on the political context of the films by examining their accuracy, intent, and success in
making a political point. At some level, this assignment forces comparative analysis, but each
review should be strong enough to stand on its own

Topics and films must be submitted in writing for approval on September 13

I am providing you with general topics that have been popular in political films. You may select
from this list or choose another provided that you get my approval. You will determine the
actual films you view, in consultation with me.

Potential topics include:

Vietnam
Social inequality
WW II
Communism/ The red menace
Imperialism
American imperialism
Latin American politics
Gender politics
Black politics
Hispanic Politics
Texana
Southern politics
The Civil War
Civil Rights
Religion
Labor politics
Gay politics
Corporate corruption
Politics of the family
The American Presidency
Espionage
American Business

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