James Bond: International Man of History

Campy. Thrilling. Iconic. For more than 60 years, the James Bond film franchise has delighted audiences while continually reinventing itself to keep pace with changing times. The Bond films also reflect the culture and politics of the Cold War, offering a fascinating lens through which to examine the era’s geopolitics, consumer culture, gender relations, and more. Through five films—each featuring a different incarnation of 007—this course explores these historical themes: From Russia with Love, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Spy Who Loved Me, The Living Daylights, and GoldenEye. Watch the films independently before class, then delve into the historical context and broader themes of each film through lecture and discussion.

Class Overview

Class 1: From Russia with Love and the Origins of the Cold War, 1945-1963

Class 2: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and the Upheavals of the Sixties, 1963-1969

Class 3: The Spy Who Loved Me and the Politics of Detente, 1969-1979

Class 4: The Living Daylights and the Cold War Reheats, 1979-1988

Class 5: GoldenEye and the End of the Cold War, 1989-1995