Starry Eyed and Laughing: Music, Film and Politics

Course Content:

This module will investigate films and popular music that have intersected with ever
changing political, social and historical circumstances. Film and music are both influenced
by and, ultimately, inseparable from the social and political context, cultural traditions
and institutional frameworks within which they are created. As such, understanding the
mindsets, intentions, desires and wants of those individuals involved with making films
and crafting music will form a central plank of the module.

The broad spectrum of material covered in the module, in terms of geographic locations,
film and music genres and political mind-sets, will ensure a spotlight is shined on the
creation of new compositions, the evolution of new styles and the formulation of
collective identities. Throughout the module academic frameworks for the examination
of film, popular music and social movements will be utilised to tie together events that
are separated by geographic location and historical periods. The module assumes all
films and music to be ?political? and explores in what sense some are more political than
others.

Topics covered include:
? What is cultural politics? The importance of film and music as key
components of popular culture. Are all cultural products `political?? Can
music and film mobilise people to support social movements?
? What disciplinary tools and concepts are necessary to analyse cultural
politics?
? The role and activity of states in regulating and censoring elements of
popular culture
? Film as a way of exploring and understanding IR theory and themes and
issues core to political philosophy
? Ethnicity, class, gender, nation ? identity and difference in film and music
? Third world cinema ,Third Cinema, World Music and Cultural Imperialism
? Art and action. Politically committed film/music and social movements

Autumn Semester - focuses on the interaction between politics and the film industry:
? International Relations Theories & Film
? US Exceptionalism & Frontier Thesis
? Marxism & the Communist Threat
? Vietnam War
? The African American Experience
? Soviet Cinema
? Censorship
? Idealism v Utilitarianism & Third Cinema
? US Presidency & Oliver Stone
? Film & Politics

Spring Semester - focuses on the relationship between music and politics:
? Music, Politics & Theory
? Gospel & Soul
? 60s Rock & Folk
? Censorship
? Music & Violence
? Female Icons & Riot Grrrl
? British Identity
? Reggae
? Dance & Hip-Hop
? The War on Terror & Music
? Art & Politics

Teaching: Lectures, seminars and workshops

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? 2000 word essay (50%)
? 2 hour exam (50%)
STUDY OPTION 2: portfolio
STUDY OPTION 3: portfolio

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer