Uncovering Secret Histories: Film, Fiction, and Facts from Post-World War II

History is often written by the victors, but what truths remain buried? This course uncovers the "secret histories" of the post-WWII era, exploring the lingering shadows of fascism, communism, and dictatorship. Through acclaimed films like Germany’s Phoenix, Italy's There's Still Tomorrow, and Argentina's The Secret in Their Eyes, we will see how societies grapple with trauma, justice, and truth. We will pair these with vital texts, including Machiavelli’s The Prince, Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden, and the instructor's own award-winning novel Gift of Diamonds, to analyze the enduring clash between authoritarianism and democracy. Join us to discover how film and literature expose hard-to-find facts about our recent past and its profound influence on the present.
Continuing Education Units (CEU) : 0

You'll walk away with

• Understand how films and literary texts expose suppressed or overlooked histories of the post-WWII era
• Analyze the ways societies confront trauma, justice, and authoritarian legacies through narrative
• Critically evaluate the relationship between factual history and artistic interpretation in shaping public memory

Ideal for

• Film and literature enthusiasts
• All members of the community—working, retired, and in between