About
Secondary school students from across South East Queensland are invited to the St Lucia campus for a day of discovery. Join us as we dive into the world of climate change, power and political secrets.
Date: Tuesday 9 July 2024
Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Location: UQ St Lucia
Program
9:00am - 9:30am: Arrivals
9:30am - 9:45am: Welcome
9:45am - 10:45am: Session 1
Politics of Climate Change
Presented by Professor Matt McDonald
10:45am - 11:15am: Morning Tea
11:20am - 12:20pm: Session 2
Theatres of War: How the Pentagon and CIA influence Hollywood - Part 1
Presented by Associate Professor Seb Kaempf
12:20pm - 1:05pm - Lunch
1:10pm - 2:10pm: Session 2 continues
Theatres of War: How the Pentagon and CIA influence Hollywood - Part 2
Presented by Associate Professor Seb Kaempf
2:10pm - 2:30pm - Wrap up + prizes
2:30pm - Schools depart
Session descriptions
Theatres of War: How the Pentagon and CIA influence Hollywood, with Associate Professor Sebastian Kaempf
To cement their global position, powerful states cannot solely rely on their military and economic strength but also need to be seen by others as legitimate. In the case of the United States, it has long been argued that Hollywood films are among the most important sources of ‘soft power’ that help generate such legitimacy. But how exactly do crucial US government bodies like the Pentagon and CIA actually influence Hollywood movies and TV productions? With what intentions and to what effect?
This activity introduces students to what is called the ‘military-industrial-media-entertainment network’, allowing them to look at newly declassified CIA and Pentagon documents firsthand, and making them reflect on the roles of legitimacy and power in world politics.
The Politics of Climate Change, with Professor Matt McDonald
Climate change is a massive challenge, but so many of the difficulties in addressing it effectively have been political. This activity introduces students to some of the key political and ethical challenges of responding effectively to climate change. After introducing these keys challenges and dilemmas, an interactive learning experience will encourage students to think about the politics of climate change from different perspectives.
Registrations
Registrations are now open to year 11 and year 12 high school students across South East Queensland. Please register using this form.
Please note that this event is capped at 100 students.
Contact
Please contact engagement@hass.uq.edu.au for enquiries.