| Prof. Guy Peters, University of Pittsburgh
| Dr. Gary Anderson, Zeppelin Universität

Politics in Literature and Film



Course Description

The purpose of this short seminar is to examine in detail selected books, texts and films of a political nature. Part of the required readings will take place in advance and consist of several “famous” works of political literature. Other short stories and essays will be read during the course itself. Finally, “political films” will be shown in either the first or second half of each session with ample opportunity for analysis and debate. Of particular interest is how these readings and films were received at the time of their publication or release and how they are received today, and how the reader / viewer can “find” ideas and concepts key to political science and history in literature and film.


Course Objectives

At the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of some of the literature and films classics they thought they knew! Students will be able to place the books, essays and films in their proper academic, political and historical contexts. Moreover, literature and film will function as a prism through which students will come to better understand concepts and epochs central to political science and history.


Course Requirements


| Students are required to submit several papers for the final grade:

Paper 1: The first paper, to be handed in on the last day of the course, will be a personal journal containing the student’s thoughts regarding the short essays and films.

Paper 2: The second paper, to be turned in at a determined date following the International Spring Week, will concern the student’s opinions regarding either The Octopus or It Can’t Happen Here.

The precise details about these assignments, such as layout, etc., will be provided during the ISS.


| Books to be Read in Advance (Please Read One Book!)

Frank Norris, The Octopus
Sinclair Lewis, It Can’t Happen Here


| Readings During the Week

“Harrison Bergeron,” by Kurt Vonnegut
“How the Poor Die,” by George Orwell
“Young Goodman Brown,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“Politics and the English Language,” by George Orwell
Selected excerpts from Johnny Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo
Selected excerpts from Catch-22, by Joseph Heller
Selected excerpts from The Trial, by Franz Kafka


| Selected Films During the Week

All The President’s Men
Catch-22
Dr. Strangelove
Good Night, and Good Luck
Johnny Got His Gun
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
The Manchurian Candidate