MLA Seminar: International Relations on Film

This course explores concepts and theories of international relations through film. In our increasingly visual culture, cinema provides a gateway to understand the past and present of global politics. Topics will include peace and conflict, foreign diplomacy, gender, migration, and environment. The course will have mandatory in-class viewings followed by discussions that tie in weekly readings. We will analyze the (sometimes changing) worldviews of franchises such as the Lord of the Rings and Mad Max, as well as critically lauded stand-alone films such as Dr. Strangelove, The Fog of War, and Arrival. No prior background in international studies or cinema studies necessary.