Political Cinema
This course examines global political history and its cinematic representation. Students explore major conflicts, ideologies, propaganda, revolutions, power structures, humanitarian law, and how states use film to influence public perception. Emphasis is placed on film summaries, analysis, and political interpretation.
- Explain major global political events and ideologies influencing cinema.
- Analyze how states use films for messaging, propaganda, and soft power.
- Write structured summaries and critical analyses of political films.
- Understand historical conflicts, revolutions, and ideological movements.
- Evaluate cinema’s role in shaping public understanding of political history.
The whole semester.
- 01Introduction to Political Cinema
- 02Global Politics After World War II
- 03Major World Powers & Geopolitical Landscape
- 04Film Summary Writing & Critical Analysis
- 05How States Use Films & Propaganda
- 06Geography of the Political World
- 07Propaganda Films & Media Influence
- 08 · MidtermCuban Missile Crisis & Historical Significance
- 09Conflict Intensity & Power Politics
- 10East vs West Germany & Cold War Division
- 11Communism vs Capitalism
- 12Rise of Nazism & WWII Causes
- 13Concentration Camps & International Humanitarian Law
- 14Socialism & Rise of Socialist Movements
- 15Political Films: Life Is Beautiful, Film Corporate, Global Warming
- 16Vietnam, Gulf War, JFK, Fascist vs Allied Powers, War on Terror
Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.
Students will select a film that engages with political themes, historical events, or social movements. The task is to research the historical and political context of the film and critically interpret how the film represents, critiques, or reimagines these events.
Students will submit a single presentation that combines summary, historical analysis, and critical interpretation. The presentation should clearly demonstrate:
The political or historical context relevant to the film
A summary of the film’s narrative, themes, and characters
Critical insights on how the film portrays political events, ideologies, or social commentary
Connections between cinematic techniques (cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène) and political storytelling
Deliverables
10-minute presentation (PowerPoint, Google Slides, or video format)
The presentation must integrate text, images, and/or short clips from the film to support analysis
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