Suggested
Time for Instruction
Teaching
guidelines for four feature films and one documentary comprise
this module. Teachers who move through the entire module would
need to set aside 15-16 hours just for viewing. (And this assumes
that DVDs do not freeze, DVD players work flawlessly, and LCD
projectors sync efficiently with laptops or DVD players.) The
ideal situation is one where students receive plenty of pre-viewing
preparation. Estimate for prep time is at least one hour per film.
In my classroom, discussion takes place before, during (using
the “Pause” function of the remote) and after a film.
Total discussion time is hard to predict, but I cannot imagine
less than 1.5 hours per film. Projects are optional but several
would require multiple days. Analytical essays of 450-500 words
can be completed in 55-60 minutes whether they are written in
class or as a home learning assignment. Journaling would require
less time—perhaps 20 minutes per film. The full unit would
require between 40-50 hours. My recommendation would be to integrate
the films into course content rather than importing the module
into a course as a discrete film studies unit.
Note:
The teacher, of course, will want to preview any film before bringing
it into the classroom. Stand By Me is rated R because
of vulgar language. (The film does appear in film lists included
in National Council of Teachers of English publications.) Because
of the language issue, some of the films addressed in this module
may be better suited to older student audiences.
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