GOVT 3340 Dr.

Greg Thielemann
Film and Politics GR 3.520
TR 2:30-5:15 972-883-2048
GR 2.302 gregt@utdallas.edu
Office Hours: TR 12:00-1:00 and by appointment
I do not read WebCT mail. Please use the email
address above.

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. If you
are missing class with an excused UTD absence, you must let me know in advance by
turning in the required form from your sponsored organization by September 1, 2007.

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.

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
October 30, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Late papers will lose multiple letter grades. Work turned in
after 5:30 p.m. on October 30 will not be accepted and will result in the student receiving
a zero on that assignment. Make-up exams are not given. If you are missing class for an
excused absence you must let me know in advance.

Course Outline

Readings (numbers are chapters)

Topics (reserve readings in italics)
21-Aug Introductory Lecture
28-Aug Lecture 1 Gianos 1-2; Giglio 1-2
4-Sep The Grapes of Wrath Gianos 4
11-Sep Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Gianos 3
18-Sep Lifeboat Gianos 5; Giglio 8
25-Sep Exam 1
2-Oct Lecture 2 Giglio 4-5
9-Oct All The Kings Men Gianos 7
16-Oct The Manchurian Candidate Gianos 6
23-Oct The Candidate Giglio 6
30-Oct Being There
6-Nov All the President’s Men Giglio 3
13-Nov Bullworth
20-Nov Exam 2