Campus Connection

The UW-La Crosse "Politics and Film" class will host public screenings and discussion on four films at the La Crosse Public Library during the month of September. UW-L Assistant Professor Tim Dale teaches the class “Politics in Film.” The collection of films will be shown, followed by a guided short discussion, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24, at the Main Library Auditorium, at 800 Main St. The films reflect four different eras in political filmmaking, as well as a variety of styles including drama and comedy. The films are intended to generate discussion about their political meaning and context, and help people understand the role of popular culture in larger political conversations. The screening is part of a theme-based film series at the library called “Film Freaks. ” The screenings and discussions offer value added content such as information about the film’s actors and director, other recommended films, related library resources, basic film study analysis and a discussion at each screening. The four films in the Politics in Film series include:

• “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”  (1939) NR – Sept. 3
• “Seven Days in May” (1964) NR – Sept. 10
• “Being There” (1979) PG – Sept. 17
• “In the Loop” (2009) – Sept. 24

Dale, an assistant professor of Political Science and Public Administration, teaches a class on politics and film. The class examines the use of film as a form of political communication, and encourages students to consider how films reflect and communicate things about the political world.