Movie Discussion Questions: Higher Learning (1995)

Before watching the movie, please respond to the following statement and questions.

• Briefly define the following terms in your own words: diversity, race, culture, racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, heterosexism, and anti-semitism

• How diverse/multicultural would you consider your hometown to be?

• How have you seen and/or experienced diversity at Oakland University?

While watching the movie, please respond to the questions and statements below.

• What groups (e.g., racial, religious, gender, etc.) are presented in the movie? Were any stereotypes displayed? If so, explain. What groups weren’t represented?

• How would you describe the main characters in this movie? What stereotypes and/or assumptions were made, if any?

• What do you think about the interaction(s) between the roommates in this film?

• What “isms” did you see in the film? In addition, what other issues did you notice in this film?

• What personal/personality changes (e.g., appearance, thoughts, behaviors, etc.) did you notice in the characters throughout the film?

• What aspects of college life, academic and social, were shown in this film? Was anything missing?

• Based on your experiences, how accurately did the director portray college life?

• Please share your reactions to this movie, both positive and/or negative.

Director: Gene: Drama Plot Outline: People from all different walks of life, encounter racial tension, rape, responsibility, and the meaning of an education on a university campus. Cast: (Malik Williams) Kristy Swanson (Kristen Connor) Michael Rapaport (Remy) (Fudge) Tyra Banks (Deja) (Professor Maurice Phipps) Source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113305/