SLC, Twin Lights
Parking Lot 7 to the Student Life Center
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Reel Influence: Propaganda in Cinema

• Tuesday, February 17
• Presenters: William Burns, Associate Vice President Educational Access and Innovation; Georgia Cassidy, Assistant Professor — Nursing and Liaison Global Citizenship Project; and Jonathan Shaloum, Director, Teaching and Learning Center
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Twin Lights, Student Life Center

This session will explore the powerful role of cinema in shaping public opinion through propaganda. By examining iconic films from the World War II era, the Cold War, and modern times, we will trace how cinematic narratives have both reflected and influenced societal beliefs and political ideologies. Through engaging examples and discussion, attendees will gain insight into: The historical use of propaganda in mainstream films. How film has been used as a tool for persuasion and influence. Techniques filmmakers use to embed ideological messages. How to critically analyze and recognize propaganda in contemporary media. Learning Outcome: Participants will leave better equipped to identify propaganda in media and understand its impact on public perception and civic discourse.

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Democracy

• Tuesday, February 17
• Presenter: Terry Konn, PhD., Health Sciences
• Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Twin Lights, Student Life Center

The lecture will discuss the tenets of democracy and identify activities that support or negate democratic principles.

Courage, Community, Action: How We Defend Democracy in an Authoritarian Era

• Tuesday, February 17
• Presenter: Kerri Kennedy, community partner, Associate General Secretary for International Programs, American Friends Service Committee
• Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Twin Lights, Student Life Center

Across the globe, the foundations of justice, peace, democracy, and human rights are being rapidly eroded. Communities facing censorship, repression, and shrinking civic space have developed powerful strategies to defend democracy. Those lessons are urgently relevant in the United States today. Drawing on more than twenty-five years of direct experience working in authoritarian and conflict-affected contexts across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, Kerri Kennedy will offer a grounded, hopeful, and practical look at what we can do when democratic norms begin to erode. Through real-world stories, analysis, and interactive dialogue, participants will explore the warning signs of authoritarian creep, the role of courage and collective action, and how local communities can protect human rights and our democratic norms. Key learnings will include: how to recognize early indicators of democratic backsliding, what global case studies reveal about the power of organized communities, why collective action is crucial, and practical tools that anyone can use to take action locally. This session invites all of us to see ourselves not as bystanders, but as essential defenders of democracy in a critical moment in the U.S.

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