Pricing:

Lourie Center Members: $20/course
Non-members: $30/course

Sign up here: Registration

In partnership with the Nickelodeon Theater
Location: Nickelodeon Theatre, 1607 Main Street

Documentaries have surged in popularity across theaters, television, and online platforms, shaping how we understand and engage with the world around us. This course critically examines the social function of documentaries, focusing on those that challenge dominant ideologies through subversive storytelling. Over four sessions, participants will explore a variety of documentary styles—including experimental, historical, essay, and activist films—while discussing their potential to influence political socialization, public policy, and activism.

Through screenings and in-depth discussions, this course offers insights into how documentary form and content can disrupt established narratives and inspire change.

About the Instructor:
Dr. David Whiteman, retired USC professor of political science and film studies, brings his extensive expertise on the political impact of documentary films. With research funded by the MacArthur Foundation and the National Science Foundation, he has published widely in academic journals and is a recognized leader in political communication. A passionate advocate for diverse programming, Dr. Whiteman is the current President of the Nickelodeon Board and a recipient of the Nickelodeon’s “Lifetime Member” award for his outstanding contributions.