Purpose: This project provides an opportunity for you to explore a few of the resources available in film and video on the many aspects of multiculturalism in the United States and beyond. Choose 3 movies to view and review. The films will need to be rented or checked out from a public library for free. You may have already seen a film, but please watch it again with new eyes, looking for connections with the material we are studying in Multicultural Education. Below is a short list of possible choices. If you want to substitute another movie of your choice, please clear it with me before including it.
Suggested Films: I recommend the Amazon, Netflix, and IMDB websites for reviews of the movies below (although, of course, your summaries should be entirely original!) Please be aware that some of these movies are rated R—choose and view those that have content you are comfortable with. Please feel free to make additional suggestions for this list.
Bend it Like Beckham, Crash, Lost Boys of Sudan, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Namesake, Real Women Have Curves, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Stand and Deliver, The Whale Rider, Remember the Titans, American History X, Panther, Higher Learning, Jumping the Broom, Our Family Wedding, The Soloist, Children of a Lesser God, Once Were Warriors, 42, Selena, The Great Debaters, Radio, The Blind Side, The Pursuit of Happiness, The Kids Are Alright, Pariah, Miss Representation, Fiddler on the Roof, Gran Torino, The Kite Runner, Mean Girls, Philadelphia, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Help, Hairspray, Akeela and the Bee, Amreeka, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Benny & Joon, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Glory Road, The Court Martial of Jackie Robinson.
Directions for reviewing videos/films:
1. For each video/film, create a correct APA or MLA citation. Use the library link for assistance.
2. Write a brief, original summary of the plot/focus of each video/film.
3. Write a well-developed analysis of the multicultural value of the film or video. Provide specific examples of how the content of the film connects to, enriches, or contradicts what you have read in the course textbook. What insights into a particular cultural group did you gain from this production?
4. Write a one paragraph reflection on your “affective” (emotional) response to the video/film. Were you inspired, saddened, angered, or frustrated by what occurred? Did some aspect of multiculturalism become suddenly clear? (An “aha” moment?)