Seeing the Bigger Picture : Understanding Politics Through Film and Television-

Reviewing commercial films and documentaries, this text illustrates the myriad ways that film and popular culture shape our understanding of capitalism and democracy, war and terrorism, civil rights and social justice, campaigns and elections and the presidency. It includes chapters on media, human rights and the environment.

Film and visual images are major components of modern society that can add to our understanding and appreciation of the political process in contemporary America. From silent films to twenty-first century blockbusters, from Bugs Bunny to The Simpsons and Star Trek, movies and television provide windows into political history and inform our perception of politics and political institutions. Seeing the Bigger Picture examines ways film and television can be used to foster a deeper understanding of the political dynamics that shape our world. Discussing both commercial films and documentaries from the United States and abroad, this book illustrates the wide-ranging relationships between film and politics. It offers suggestions on how to use film to perceive the dynamics of ideology, the American presidency, civil rights and social justice, campaigns and elections, war, peace, terrorism, and other contemporary debates. Employing film as much more than pure entertainment, this book reveals how movies and television can be invaluable and exciting tools to explain political concepts and to demonstrate the relevance of politics in our daily lives. This is an excellent comprehensive text for students in film and politics courses and a creative resource for survey courses in political science, American government, and international relations.