EDREM 7781 Movie Project
Jethro Jones, Sherry Wibben, Michael Zitzer, Luke Thuston
Assignment Directions
Qualitative Analysis Project – Group Project
This replaces the project found in the syllabus, although the grading will remain the same
- Develop Research Questions
Students should:
- Watch the movie trailer and research the film’s background and critical reception to gather context.
- Identify potential themes (e.g., leadership, empowerment, race, education) based on the initial impression.
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Create research questions on behavior patterns, conflict resolution, personal growth, and societal issues. Example questions might include:
- “How does the main character’s leadership style evolve throughout the film?”
- “What are the dominant social issues presented, and how are they addressed?”
- “How does the relationship between teacher/mentor and student shift the narrative?”
- Viewing the Film
- Watch the film with these research questions in mind.
- Take notes on recurring imagery, dialogues, and character development, focusing on interactions, turning points, and the social or educational dynamics portrayed.
- Finding Patterns and Themes
- Organize your notes into categories such as “social dynamics,” “educational challenges,” or “leadership styles.”
- Compare your findings to real-life educational or social theories and concepts, using qualitative analysis to conclude the film’s portrayal of these issues.
- Writing a Narrative
- Use your research questions to guide your narrative.
- The narrative should summarize the film, discuss the identified themes, and analyze how the film presents solutions or addresses key conflicts.
- Require citations from outside resources, such as academic articles, reviews, or historical references that help support or contrast their analysis.
List of 15 Films with Overviews (You may propose another)
- Lean on Me (1989)
A high school principal, Joe Clark, uses tough love and discipline to turn around a failing inner-city school. - Dead Poets Society (1989)
An unconventional English teacher inspires his students to break free from societal expectations and embrace creativity and poetry. - Freedom Writers (2007)
Based on the true story of a teacher who helps her at-risk students find their voices through writing. - Stand and Deliver (1988)
A math teacher helps his students succeed in calculus, defying stereotypes about inner-city kids and showing the importance of determination and education. - The Ron Clark Story (2006)
A passionate teacher moves to Harlem and uses unconventional teaching methods to inspire his students. - The Great Debaters (2007)
A professor at a historically Black college leads his debate team to success, overcoming racism and societal barriers. - Dangerous Minds (1995)
A former Marine becomes a teacher in a rough inner-city school and uses unconventional methods to reach her students. - Coach Carter (2005)
A basketball coach enforces discipline both on and off the court, demanding academic success from his players. - The Breakfast Club (1985)
Five high school students from different social groups spend detention together and discover their commonalities. - Hidden Figures (2016)
The untold story of three African American women mathematicians at NASA who played pivotal roles in the space race. - Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
A young girl from a tough neighborhood competes in a national spelling bee, with the help of a mentor. - Good Will Hunting (1997)
A young janitor with extraordinary mathematical abilities is mentored by a professor and therapist to confront his emotional struggles. - School of Rock (2003)
A failed musician becomes a substitute teacher at a prep school, and he teaches the kids rock music, unlocking their potential in unconventional ways. - To Sir, with Love (1967)
A black engineer-turned-teacher faces challenges while teaching rebellious white high school students in London’s East End. - The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on the true story of a man’s struggle with homelessness while trying to provide for his son and pursue a career in finance.Assignment