Cinema as a Witness to Modern History Grade 12 History An Introduction

What is This class all about? Take a look at the course title Cinema as a Witness to Modern History Let’s define the three key terms

Course Goals Three main goals for this semester 1. To develop critical media literacy through an exploration of cinema 2. To enrich students knowledge and understanding of world history since the beginning of the 20th century 3. To apply the concepts of historical thinking to the analysis of a variety of film genres in documentary and dramatic cinema

Critical media literacy We won’t just be eating popcorn and watching movies! We will be studying: 1. Cinema as an art form 2. Cinema as a product of history 3. Cinema as an interpreter of history

What does this mean for you? Students will: View and reflect critically on films of various genres Analyze and evaluate the techniques of cinema as an art form Consider how documentary and feature films reflect the values and perspectives of the society of which they originated Conduct research into historical sources in order to analyze interpretation, bias, and error of historical subjects in cinema Write film critiques that follow principles of critical media literacy and historical thinking Enrich their knowledge of significant developments in modern world history

A quote to Consider “By the time they finish high school, students will have spent an average of 11,000 hours in school, compared to more than 15,000 hours watching television and 10,500 hours listening to popular music. They will have seen several hundred films and been exposed to countless advertisements. Televised images constitute a new kind of daily environment for them and a source of knowledge as well as ideas, values and standards. Mass media constitute a dynamic and persuasive curriculum, whose content includes knowledge about people, places, politics, events, history, psychology, etc.; role models with regard to behaviours and practices such as fashion, food, relationships, etc.; and attitudes and values about such things as the use and abuse of power, politics, relationships, sexuality, violence, family, death, religion....”

That quote was from 1996!! 20 years ago those stats were true. Who knows what they would look like now? Is the 21st century a “post-literate” culture? Quick turn and talk at your table, discuss if you agree or disagree.

Film Response Journal This is a VERY important piece of your learning – and in turn your mark for this course. 25% of your term mark will for your (almost) daily journal entries. I do expect thoughtful, critical, creative thought – that uses knowledge and skills you learn throughout the course to respond to various tasks. I do not expect perfect spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. But do use your best ELA skills when responding in your journal (ex. Use paragraphs where necessary to help the reader, rather than one page of scambled, unorganized thought) Bring your journal to EVERY CLASS!

Fav Movie? Day One Journal Task: The Top 10 List – create a top 10 list of your favourite films Discuss one of your favorite films of all time (choose one!) Feel free to retell a bit about the film, but no more than one paragraph For the remainder of your journal entry, consider the following: What stands out to you, or leaves a lasting impression about this film? Have you watched this film multiple times? Why? Which characters resonate with you? Is there a particular scene that is etched in your memory? Are there any outstanding technical aspects of the film you remember? (ex special effects, music, camera shots, etc)

Midford’s List (always changing btw) 10. The Godfather (yes part 2 is good as well) 9. Pulp Fiction 8. Gladiator 7. Goodfellas 6. Interstellar (I am going to write about this one for my journal entry)

5. The Dark Knight 4. The Departed 3. American Hustle 2. Inception (dreams within dreams!)

And the winner is… 1. The Rock This movie has sentimental value, despite its really cheesy dialogue and one liner jokes, mediocre acting and over the top story line.

Honourable Mentions The Usual Suspects Spotlight Heat Wall-E Argo L.A. Confidential Pete’s Dragon Schindler’s List Saving Private Ryan Inglorious Bastards No Country For Old Men