Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Visionaries, Warmongers and Protesters: American Political History Through Film (1950-1975)

• Unit Code

  POL3133

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

The United States of America from 1950-1975 was a nation divided, racked by conflicts over anti-communism, the Vietnam War, and how to resolve deep-seated racial and social tensions. It was also a period of promising but flawed political leadership. Focusing on the presidencies of Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, the unit examines key political issues in US politics including the anti-communist purges of the 1950's, the Vietnam War and its opponents, the race riots of the late 1960's, the Civil Rights and Great Society reforms of the Johnson Administration. This knowledge is then contrasted with an analysis of selected film and documentary to pose the question: how well are political issues covered through this medium? Utilising research and film analysis in this reinforcing way is designed to create a critical analysis of one of the most controversial periods in modern political history.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded POL3134

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the content and construct of politically-based film and documentary.
2. Apply an understanding of American political institutions to resolution of public policy issues.
3. Critically evaluate the impacts of the Cold War.
4. Evaluate the criteria for successful political leadership.
5. Understand the causes and consequences of political conflicts.

Unit Content

1. Civil Rights and Race Riots of the 1960's.
2. McCarthyism and American Politics.
3. President Johnsons Great Society Reforms.
4. President Nixon and the Watergate Scandal.
5. The Cold War and President Kennedys administration.
6. Vietnam and political protests.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, tutorials, film and documentaries.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ There is no set text. Film and Documentary Resources Chosen from: ? Guilty by Suspicion ? The Pentagon Papers ? Nixon ? Mississippi Burning Malcolm X ? Apocalypse Now ? Documentaries on Robert and John F. Kennedy and the Watergate Scandal
• Turse, N. (2013). Kill anything that moves: The real American war in Vietnam. New York: Metropolion Books.
• Kurtz, M. (2006). The JFK assassination debates. Lawrence: University of Kansas Press.
• Horne, G. (1997). Fire this time: The Watts uprising and the 1960s. New York: Da Capo Press.
• Graubard, S. (2006). The presidents. London:Penguin.
• Douglas, J. (2008). JFK and the unspeakable: Why he died and why it matters. New York: Touchstone.
• Dallek, R. (2003). John F. Kennedy: An unfinished life, 1917-1963. London: Penguin.
• Buzzanco, R. (1999). Vietnam and the transformation of American life. Malden, MA: Blackwell.
• Brogan, H. (2001). The Penguin history of the United States. London: Penguin Books.
• Bernstein, I. (1996). Guns and Butler: The presidency of Lyndon Johnson. Oxford University Press. Note: There is no set text. Film and Documentary Resources Chosen from: ? Guilty by Suspicion ? The Pentagon Papers ? Nixon ? Mississippi Burning Malcolm X ? Apocalypse Now ? Documentaries on Robert and John F. Kennedy and the Watergate Scandal
• Summers, A. (2003). The arrogance of power: The secret world of Richard Nixon. London: Phoenix.
• Gaddis, J. (2006). The Cold War. London: Allen Lane.

^ Mandatory reference

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