POL 1003 American Politics Through Film
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 the movies. There is a cause and effect relationship between what people see and what people believe. When the "lights" go out and the "camera" rolls, how much do films tell us about the political system in the United States? Through an examination of key political concepts, political institutions, and historical events students will develop an understanding of the nature of political leadership, power, institutions, and theories of decision making as expressed through popular films.