The University of Tennessee Libraries and the Howard Baker Center for Public Policy invite the campus and local community to attend the Documentaries in the Library series. Each event features a documentary film screening followed by a discussion. The events are free and open to the public.

To celebrate the 2008 election, the current series schedule focuses on political themes.
During the months of September and October, thought-provoking documentaries will inspire viewers to think critically about important issues in American politics. After the screenings, discussion leaders will encourage lively debate on the topics posed by the films.

The program schedule is as follows:

Young Voices on Today’s Politics – Tuesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. in Hodges Library Auditorium
Documentary: Student Free Range Video Contest Entries
The spring 2008 contest encouraged students to create short videos commenting on politics. Entries from this contest as well as student videos from UT courses and selections from YouTube will be screened.
Discussion Leader: Mark Harmon, Journalism and Electronic Media

Religion and Politics – Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. in Hodges Library Auditorium
Documentary: God and Politics
This PBS series examines how religious beliefs shape political events. Discussed are the influence of schisms amongst the Southern Baptists, the war for souls in Central America, which parallels American foreign policy in the area, and the movement known as Christian Reconstruction.
Discussion Leader: Will Jennings, Political Science

The Presidential Mandate? – Tuesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. in Hodges Library Auditorium
Documentary: Mandate
This video, narrated by veteran CBS News correspondent Lesley Stahl, examines the long and complex relationship between the presidency and public opinion. Leading historians, political scientists, and public figures offer insight into presidents and the presidency from George Washington through Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Discussion Leader: Michael Fitzgerald, Political Science