emory university, robert w. woodruff library, and good night and good luck

[crossposted from the september project blog]

for the second straight year, emory university's robert w. woodruff library will be participating in the september project. their event is perfect:

We will screen Good Night and Good Luck, a film that, in its look at domestic events of the Cold War / McCarthy era, addresses a variety of issues which continue to resonate today and raises important questions regarding civil liberties, democracy, the creation and dissemination of news, and the requirements of active citizenship. Professor Harvey Klehr will provide opening remarks, and there will be an audience discussion at the conclusion of the film. One DVD copy of Good Night and Good Luck will be given away as a door prize.

many american academics, myself included, are quite nervous about our students' lack of historical knowledge. a few years ago, in a 450-student class, i asked my students if they knew what the cold war was. 4-5 students raised their hands. i'm not joking. personally, i think it's a great idea to engage college students via film - especially a film that includes george clooney! - and i am particularly excited to learn that the audience discussion will be led by harvey klehr, an andrew w. mellon professor of politics and history. plus, some lucky attendee will receive a free DVD of the film!