History Through Film Syllabus
Course Description:
One way to learn about the past is to study movies with historical themes. In this course we will examine historical events by watching, discussing, and writing about movies. We will focus on 20th Century American history. Movies can provide some factual information about a historical figure, event, or time period; they can also distort the past. A major part of the course will be discussion of how movies accurately and inaccurately portray history, so for every film we watch we will ask two questions:
1. What does this movie tell a modern viewer about a particular time period?
2. What is the underlying theme of the movie?
Course Requirements:
Daily Assignments (20%)
I expect you to pay attention to the films and to be able to discuss their themes, strengths and weaknesses, and historical accuracy. Included in this grade will be the handouts that must be completed for each film.
Quizzes (30%)
We will have periodic quizzes to ensure that you are paying close attention to the films. I will most likely quiz you on major plot points and characters.
Essays (50%)
At the end of each unit, you will write a 500-word typed essay on one of the films we have watched in class. In your essays you need to address the following issues:
1. How does the film portray the past: does it romanticize or demonize the period; does it accurately portray the past?
2. Do the filmmakers seem to have an agenda (other than to make money or to entertain)?
3. What are the film’s major themes or ideas?
Classroom Rules:
1. Absolutely NO SLEEPING!!! (Unless you like standing through movies)
2. This class is not a study hall. You will focus on the movie while we are watching it. You will NOT work on other assignments during this class.
3. Attendance is important. If you miss a day, you will be expected to catch up on what you missed from another student or, if necessary, rent the movie we are watching. If I own a DVD, I can let you borrow it, but I am renting most of these movies myself.
R- Rated Films
A number of the movies selected for viewing have an R rating. Permission forms must be signed by the parents/guardians and turned in by the students prior to viewing our first film of the course. Please see attached list of R-Rated films for the course as well as the Parent/Guardian Permission Form. We will be covering many sensitive and controversial topics. Each student is expected to exhibit a sense of maturity when dealing with these topics.
Missed Work
1. Each student is responsible to make up all assignments while absent from class.
2. Tests and quizzes will be made up immediately upon returning to class. If this is not possible, the student is responsible to talk to me before class.
3. Essays are due on their assigned day but may be handed in early if desired. 10 points will be deducted every day the essay is late.
Materials
· A notebook
· A writing utensil at all times
· A positive attitude, desire to learn, and a willingness to share your opinions
One way to learn about the past is to study movies with historical themes. In this course we will examine historical events by watching, discussing, and writing about movies. We will focus on 20th Century American history. Movies can provide some factual information about a historical figure, event, or time period; they can also distort the past. A major part of the course will be discussion of how movies accurately and inaccurately portray history, so for every film we watch we will ask two questions:
1. What does this movie tell a modern viewer about a particular time period?
2. What is the underlying theme of the movie?
Course Requirements:
Daily Assignments (20%)
I expect you to pay attention to the films and to be able to discuss their themes, strengths and weaknesses, and historical accuracy. Included in this grade will be the handouts that must be completed for each film.
Quizzes (30%)
We will have periodic quizzes to ensure that you are paying close attention to the films. I will most likely quiz you on major plot points and characters.
Essays (50%)
At the end of each unit, you will write a 500-word typed essay on one of the films we have watched in class. In your essays you need to address the following issues:
1. How does the film portray the past: does it romanticize or demonize the period; does it accurately portray the past?
2. Do the filmmakers seem to have an agenda (other than to make money or to entertain)?
3. What are the film’s major themes or ideas?
Classroom Rules:
1. Absolutely NO SLEEPING!!! (Unless you like standing through movies)
2. This class is not a study hall. You will focus on the movie while we are watching it. You will NOT work on other assignments during this class.
3. Attendance is important. If you miss a day, you will be expected to catch up on what you missed from another student or, if necessary, rent the movie we are watching. If I own a DVD, I can let you borrow it, but I am renting most of these movies myself.
R- Rated Films
A number of the movies selected for viewing have an R rating. Permission forms must be signed by the parents/guardians and turned in by the students prior to viewing our first film of the course. Please see attached list of R-Rated films for the course as well as the Parent/Guardian Permission Form. We will be covering many sensitive and controversial topics. Each student is expected to exhibit a sense of maturity when dealing with these topics.
Missed Work
1. Each student is responsible to make up all assignments while absent from class.
2. Tests and quizzes will be made up immediately upon returning to class. If this is not possible, the student is responsible to talk to me before class.
3. Essays are due on their assigned day but may be handed in early if desired. 10 points will be deducted every day the essay is late.
Materials
· A notebook
· A writing utensil at all times
· A positive attitude, desire to learn, and a willingness to share your opinions
History through Film Syllabus | |
File Size: | 111 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Essay Scoring Guide:
Essay Scoring Guide | |
File Size: | 116 kb |
File Type: | docx |