Social Science - Kolya

General Education Capstone Course

Event/Experience Details and Guideline Form

Gen. Ed. category event should be listed under: Social Science

SCC competency addressed by event:

Explain social institutions, structure, and processes across a range of historical periods, places, and/or cultures.

Event experience title: Kolya

Anticipated learning outcome: 

SS-- Students should be able to describe and discuss the relationship between citizens and government in a communist country.

Guidelines for accomplishment of event (assume completion by a non-major)

Write a one page synopsis of the film, with a brief explanation of the Velvet Revolution.  

Answer the following questions.  Be sure to give examples.

• In what way does this film help explain why the Czech (other former Soviet bloc countries) people tend to be so strongly pro-US and anti-Russian? 
• When the government controls most aspects of society, what are the repercussions of thwarting the government?  Why did the main character lose his job?  If you lived in a repressive country, would you have dared to spoken out against the government?
• Read these articles ( http://www.american-partisan.com/cols/2002/tremlett/qtr2/0515.htm and http://thebigstory.org/ov/ov-politicallyincorrect.html ) about the cancellation of Bill Maher’s “Politically Incorrect.”  In what ways is censorship in the US different from that in communist countries?   In what ways is it similar?  Do we really have free speech if people who criticize politicians lose their jobs?
• Total written work: 3 pages

Provide at least one the following: 

Contact name: Local Video Store (the film is available at most major rental businesses)

Contact phone number: Check phone book

Contact e-mail: Check web site.

Event contact Web site URL: check URL

SCC event creator: Paul Roesler

Estimated time for full completion (include: making contact/appointment; attending activity; travel; and journal consideration and entry) 3-4 hours