The American president is at once commander in chief, chief executive, chief diplomat, ceremonial head of state and manager of the economy. The aura surrounding the presidency arouses unrealistic expectations of presidents, who - according to one critic - are expected to "drive the economy, vanquish enemies, lead the free world, comfort tornado victims, heal the national soul and protect borrowers from hidden credit-card fees." While some commentators call the American presidency a "glorious burden," others criticize "the cult of the presidency".

Images of the presidency in popular culture range from idealistic samples, glorifying the heroic deeds of the president, to depressing ones, indicting the president for corruption or conspiracy. Famous presidents in recent film history include Jack Nicholson in the science fiction film Mars Attacks!, Harrison Ford in the action film Air Force One, Michael Douglas in the romantic comedy The American President and Martin Sheen in the television series The West Wing. While most early fictional portraits of American presidents were respectful and reverent, many contemporary films, books, and other popular culture artifacts characterize the chief executive more negatively, at times even as villain, murderer, rapist.

If we assume, that recurring images and myths in successful films and TV-productions can be read as indicating underlying trends in the political culture, analysis of fictional portrayals of politicians and political institutions may be seen as a key to an understanding of the relation between politics and culture. In this context, we will critically discuss contemporary claims concerning an ongoing convergence of popular culture and politics.

Students are required to regularly attend classes and screenings (some of which will take place outside of class), and to deliver an in-class presentation. Texts will be provided at the beginning of the semester on StudOn.