Film as Public Pedagogy in a U.S. Culture of Militarism
Open Access
Author:
Morris, Doug Scott
Graduate Program:
Curriculum and Instruction
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
September 26, 2006
Committee Members:
Patrick Willard Shannon, Committee Chair/Co-Chair Jacqueline Edmondson, Committee Member Jeanne Hall, Committee Member Paul Youngquist, Committee Member
Keywords:
critical pedagogy militarism film
Abstract:
The following study examines the relationship between militarized Hollywood cinema, the US culture of militarism, the systemic nature of US aggression, and the possibilities for creating a pedagogy of hope that will work to overcome militarism’s abominations. By recognizing film as a powerful form of public pedagogy that shapes beliefs, attitudes, and values, constructs identities and identifications, and directs allegiances and actions (or inactions), the study investigates ways in which Hollywood films work to convey and inculcate circumscribed notions of history through regularized patterns of film images and narratives in pursuit of the indirect or direct goal of distracting public attention, along with conditioning the public mind, engineering public consent, and mobilizing public support for a US culture of militarism dedicated to aggression in the pursuit of global domination.
