Robert Rubinstein´s Writings & Ideas

THROUGH THE CAMERA'S EYE
AMERICAN HISTORY IN THE MOVIES

A year-long course taught as part of the curriculum
at Roosevelt Middle School, Eugene, Oregon

History is about people: their passions, fears, loves and hopes. Without these, history has no meaning.
Most students today have little connection with the history in textbooks, or with the facts and dates and names we require them to memorize and parrot back on tests. These young people were born in the 1980s: they have never been without computers, cable TV, VCRs, calculators, e-mail, travel across the country or travel to other countries. Most have no extended family to tell them of life during past generations; no human connection to the past.

Movies provide a unique way of understanding history through human drama: gaining some insight and understanding into how and why people made decisions and their personal values, why people reacted in certain ways as well as how they were and we are affected by those decisions today. Film literature also integrates a variety of genres and approaches to learning. To discuss a film that portrays history, students should understand:

the history shown in the film,
the historical time period when the film was made and how this affects the historical point-of-view portrayed,
the story elements used to show the characters and events
prejudices involved,
the use of symbolism, music, etc. to influence the audience,
the types and sophistication of special effects in the film.

To teach a movie, means the teacher stops to point out and discuss significant dialogue, character thoughts and actions, and the implications of decisions made.

In this way, students become critical viewers of history, gain a more relevant and effective understanding of history, and, hopefully, will want to read more about history because it has some meaning to them.

Some films we have used to teach "Through the Camera´s Eye - American History in Movies" are:

The Crucible
Drums Along The Mohawk
Jeremiah Johnson
Miss Jane Pittman
Outlaw Josie Wales
The Shootist
Eight Men Out
The Grapes of Wrath and Sounde to discuss the Great Depression
League of Their Own
North By Northwest
On The Waterfront
War Games
On Golden Pond and Cocoon to discuss senior citizens
Star Wars

Robert Rubinstein´s Writings & Ideas

THROUGH THE CAMERA'S EYE AMERICAN HISTORY IN THE MOVIES

A year-long course taught as part of the curriculumat Roosevelt Middle School, Eugene, Oregon

THROUGH THE CAMERA'S EYE
AMERICAN HISTORY IN THE MOVIES

A year-long course taught as part of the curriculum
at Roosevelt Middle School, Eugene, Oregon