Seeing the Bigger Picture: Understanding Politics Through Film and Television- Second Printing / Edition 2

by Mark Sachleben, Kevan M. Yenerall

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433111334
Publisher:	Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers
Publication date:	02/29/2012
Series:	Politics, Media, and Popular Culture , #9
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	337
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

The Authors: Mark Sachleben received his Ph.D. in political science from Miami University, Ohio. He is a visiting Professor of political science at Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Sachleben teaches courses in international relations and comparative politics. His research interests include human rights, international relations, and international relations theory.
Kevan M. Yenerall received his Ph.D. in political science from Miami University in Ohio. He is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Clarion University in Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses in American politics and international relations and is the director of the politics and film series. Dr. Yenerall has published articles, essays, and book chapters dealing with the presidency, campaigns, the media, and foreign policy.

Table of Contents

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Preface

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Editorial Reviews

«Attention film students and political junkies: this book contains everything you need to know about the history of political films in America.» (Alexandra Pelosi, Filmmaker; Writer & Director, Journeys With George)
«Sachleben and Yenerall have written a sparkling, entertaining, informative and important book demonstrating the link between film and politics. This book will soon become one of the standards in the field. ‘Seeing the Bigger Picture’ is a gem. Two thumbs up.» (Michael A. Genovese, Professor of Political Science, Director of the Institute for Leadership Studies, Loyola Marymount University, Author of ‘The Power of the American Presidency: 1789-2000’)
«This entertaining and eminently readable book will foster greater awareness of our political institutions and the realization that each succeeding generation has an obligation to strengthen our democracy and work toward justice for all. You’re going to have fun reading this fresh and insightful book.» (Senator Allen G. Kukovich, D-Pennsylvania (39th District))
«Yenerall and Sachleben have managed to produce a book that is not only a thoroughly enjoyable read, but one that offers new insights into the study of politics through film and television. ‘Seeing the Bigger Picture’ offers readers an intriguing and important examination of the political debates of the day as well as the enduring, central issues in politics all through the conceptual lens of film and television. This book will be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of political scientists, but I also recommend it as a supplemental text for undergraduate courses. I believe students will be attracted to the straight-forward writing style, abundant examples, and enjoyable approach of the book that – as the subtitle suggests – will help them to understand politics through film and television!» (Robert P. Watson, Director, Graduate Programs, Department of Political Science, Florida Atlantic University)
«‘Seeing the Bigger Picture’ is a wonderful resource for anyone who loves politics and movies, and especially valuable for anyone who teaches about these topics. Wonderfully written with a wide range of topics, it is a ‘must’ for the political junkie’s collection.» (Patrick J. Haney, Associate Professor of Political Science, Miami University)

From the Publisher