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Home , Anthony Harvey, Anthony Quinn, Armand Assante, Basil Rathbone, Branko Lustig, Braveheart

Social Education 76(1), pp 22–28 ©2012 National Council for the Social Studies The Reel History of the World: Teaching World History with Major Motion Pictures

William Benedict Russell III

n today’s society, is a part of popular culture and is relevant to students’ as well as an explanation as to why the everyday lives. Most students spend over 7 hours a day using media (over 50 class will view the film. Ihours a week).1 Nearly 50 percent of students’ media use per day is devoted to Watching the Film. When students videos (film) and television. With the popularity and availability of film, it is natural are watching the film (in its entirety that teachers attempt to engage students with such a relevant medium. In fact, in or selected clips), ensure that they are a recent study of social studies teachers, 100 percent reported using film at least aware of what they should be paying once a month to help teach content.2 In a national study of 327 teachers, 69 percent particular attention to. Pause the film reported that they use some type of film/movie to help teach Holocaust content. to pose a question, provide background, The method of using film and the method of using firsthand accounts were tied for or make a connection with an earlier les- the number one method teachers use to teach Holocaust content.3 Furthermore, a son. Interrupting a showing (at least once) national survey of social studies teachers conducted in 2006, found that 63 percent subtly reminds students that the purpose of eighth-grade teachers reported using some type of video-based activity in the of this classroom activity is not entertain- last social studies class they taught.4 ment, but critical thinking. The Culminating Activity. During this The purpose of this article is to pro- that increases student interest in con- stage, teachers can focus on reviewing, vide teachers with a rationale and model tent and promotes higher order thinking clarifying, and discussing major points, for teaching world history with film. This skills. Teaching with film helps teachers concepts, issues, scenes, and/or inaccura- article will also provide teachers with achieve instructional goals like retention, cies. Teachers should also assess student a filmography that can be used to help understanding, reasoning, and critical learning in some fashion. Assessment teach world history. thinking.7 strategies can include class discussion, I have outlined four stages, which I class debate, rewriting the ending of the Teaching World History with Film dub the Russell Model for Using Film, film, writing a review of the film, taking Teaching world history with film can be which can ensure the appropriate use a test/quiz, completing a written assign- an effective strategy for several reasons. of film in the classroom:8 ment aligned with the film and topic/ Movies can (a) arouse emotions, which Preparation. This critical stage involves unit, reenactment (have students reenact helps students connect with and remem- creating lesson plans that incorporate a scene from the film), having students ber specific events and figures.5 Movies film, while meeting instructional goals/ conduct a mock interview with the star, can also help develop students’ (b) his- objectives, state standards, national stan- director, and/or producer of the film, or torical thinking skills, (c) awareness of dards, and adhering to all legal require- having students analyze and evaluate the historical perspective, and (d) general ments. Remember to obtain permission film. understanding of the past. from the administration and parents Film can offer an accurate interpreta- prior to showing a film. World History for the tion of history and can bring students Pre-viewing. Teachers must preview Classroom closer to the people and events that they films before showing them and prepare The following is a list of effective films are studying.6 It is an enhancement tool an introduction of the film for students for teaching a typical world history

Social Education 22 curriculum based on instructional use, modern history), and each entry includes mine the appropriateness of the film for availability, and connection to the cur- a synopsis, teaching ideas, and biblio- their particular students. As with any type riculum. The films can be rented (online graphic information (year, genre, Motion of classroom instruction, teachers need to or from a video rental store) or can be Picture Association of America (MPAA) ensure that the curriculum and instruction purchased online (e.g., www.amazon.com) rating, alternative title/s, director, pro- meets the learning goals/objectives and for a nominal price. The films are listed in ducer, length, language, color, company, the individual needs of students. chronological order by topic (pre-history, and cast). Ultimately, teachers must deter-

Pre-History students grasp Alexander’s role in exploring the world. Have Quest for Fire (1981) students complete an and impact chart where they Alternative Title: La guerre du feu list Alexander’s actions in one column. In the next column, Drama, Rated R, 100 minutes, Color, Language: No Dialogue students list the impact of those actions. Students can then Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud; Producers: Vera Belmont, share the action and impact chart with the class. Jacques Dorfmann, Denis Heroux, and John Kemeny; Writer: Gerard Brach The Production Company: Belstar Productions Gladiator (2000) Cast: Everett McGill, Ron Perlman, Nicholas Kadi, and Rae Alternative Title: The Gladiators Dawn Chong Drama, Rated R, 155 minutes, Color, Language: English Director: ; Producers by: , Branko Quest for Fire is set in prehistoric times and follows three Lustig, and ; Writers: David Franzoni, , Paleolithic humans as they search for fire. It is an excellent and William Nicholson resource for teaching a unit on pre-history, and helps stu- Production Company: DreamWorks SKG dents grasp the value of fire and other tools/technologies Cast: , , , that are now common and disposable. The film, which won Harris, and an Academy Award for Best Makeup, is based on the classic book by J.H. Rosny Ainé. Gladiator is based on historical events. However, the story Provide students with samples of natural resources (e.g., is fictional. The story portrays Maximus Decimus Meridius sticks, rocks, hemp twine, clay) and have them imagine creat- (Russell Crowe), who is the General of the Roman Army and ing a livable dwelling with only these materials. How would friend of () the Emperor of basic human needs like cooking, bathing, and sleeping safely Rome. After the emperor is murdered, Maximus is betrayed be met in their dwelling? and enslaved as a gladiator. Gladiator won five including Best Actor and Best Picture. Greece This film is a great resource for teaching a unit on the Roman Alexander (2004) Empire, and provides students with unmatched visual images Alternative Title: Alexander Revisited: The Final Cut of the Roman Empire. The historical atmosphere conveyed will Drama, Rated R, 175 minutes, Color, Language: English provide students with a rich knowledge base for understanding Director: ; Producers: Oliver Stone, , the social and political factors of the Roman Empire. Thomas Schuhly, Jon Kilik, and Moritz Borman; Writers: Oliver Students can participate in a role-playing activity in which Stone, Christopher Kyle, and Laeta Kalogridis the emperor (who was a Stoic philosopher and author of Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures Meditations) and his supporters debate with some Roman Cast: , , Val Kilmer, , citizens who want more extravagant and expensive entertain- , and Jonathan Rhys Meyers ment at the Coliseum.

Alexander is based on the life of the King of Macedonia, The Islamic World (Colin Farrell). The film traces The Message (1976) Alexander’s short and successful life from his childhood, to Alternative Title: Mohammad: Messenger of God his conquest of nearly 90 percent of the known world by the Drama, Rated PG, 177 minutes, Color, Language: English/Arabic age of 25, and finally to his death at age 32 in 323 BCE. Director: ; Producer: Moustapha Akkad; This film is a good resource for teaching a unit on ancient Writers: H.A.L. Craig, Tewfik El-Hakim, A.B. Jawdat El-Sahhar, Greece. The film conveys historical atmosphere and helps A.B. Rahman El-Sharkawi, and Mohammad Ali Maher

January/February 2012 23 Production Company: Filmco International Productions Writer: Cast: , , Michael Ansara, Johnny Production Company: AVCO Embassy Sekka, Michael Forest, and Damien Thomas Cast: Peter O’Toole, Katherine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, and The Message is based on the central figure of Islam and messenger of God, Muhammad. The film depicts the life of The Lion in Winter is a historically based film about King Muhammad and highlights key events throughout his journey Henry II and his quest to name one of his three sons his to being named the of Islam. The film is told from the successor to the throne. Set in 1183, the film explores the perspectives of various individuals including his uncle Hamza dynamics of royal court life combined with political and (Anthony Quinn). The film was nominated for an Academy family infighting. The film won Academy Awards for Best Award for Best Original Score. This film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on the Islamic World. The film provides a historical account of Muhammad’s life and provides viewers with a rich knowledge base for photo: Everett Collection understanding Muhammad’s impact on religion and the world. Have students complete a timeline of Muhammad’s life. Be sure that they highlight key events and explain the impact of the events. Students can then share the timeline with the class.

Middle Ages (1995) Drama, Rated R, 177 minutes, Color, Language: English Director: ; Producers: Bruce The Lion In Winter, from left: as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Peter O'Toole as King Henry Davey, Mel Gibson, and Alan Ladd; II, Anthony Hopkins as Richard the Lionhearted, 1968 Writer: Production Company: Actress in a Leading Role (Katherine Hepburn), Best Original Cast: Mel Gibson, , Sean Lawlor, Patrick Score, and Best Screenplay. McGoohan, and James Cosmo This film is a great resource for teaching a unit on the . To stimulate student engagement, have stu- Braveheart is a historically based film about a Scottish com- dents take on the role of King Henry II during the period moner, (Mel Gibson), who led an uprising when he needed to select one of his three sons as a successor. against and King Edward I (Patrick McGoohan) for Have students make a selection that they are able to defend. ’s freedom. Braveheart won five Academy Awards Students can then share their selection with classmates. including Best Director and Best Picture. This film is a good resource for teaching a unit on the middle ages. The Exploration film provides a historical account of the events surrounding 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992) William Wallace’s life. Alternative Title: 1492: Christophe Colomb Have students keep personal journals (at least three to Drama, Rated PG-13, 154 minutes, Color, Language: English five entries) as if they were soldiers who fought alongside of Director: Ridley Scott; Producers: Ridley Scott and Alain William Wallace for Scotland’s freedom. Encourage students Goldman; Writer: Roselyne Bosch to create vivid accounts of journeys and battles along with Production Company: Gaumont mundane routines of daily life in Scotland. Cast: Gerard Depardieu, Armand Assante, , and Loren Dean The Lion in Winter (1968) Drama, Rated PG, 134 minutes, Color, Language: English 1492: Conquest of Paradise traces Director: ; Producer: Martin Poll; (Gerard Depardieu) and his discovery of the New World.

Social Education 24 The film depicts the effect of the encounter on the indig- that they highlight key events and explain the impact of the enous people as well as Columbus’s relationship with Queen events. Students can then share the timeline with the class. Isabella (Sigourney Weaver). This film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on French Revolution European exploration. The film helps students grasp Spain’s (1935) role in exploring the New World. Have students complete a Alternative Title: ’ ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ flow chart of events surrounding the exploration and share Drama, Not Rated, 121 minutes, Black and White, Language: the flow charts with the class. English Director: Jack Conway; Producer: David O. Selznick; Writers: Reformation W.P. Lipscomb and S.N. Behrman (1966) Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Drama, Rated G, 120 minutes, Color, Language: English Cast: , , Allen, Edna Producer/Director: ; Writer: May Oliver, , and Production Company: Highland Films Cast: , , Leo McKern, , & Based on Charles Dickens’s 1859 historical novel, this film is set in and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The film includes depictions of the oppression A Man for All Seasons is set in sixteenth-century England. of peasants by the French aristocracy and the subsequent The film depicts The Chancellor of England, Thomas More, brutality of revolutionaries. The film follows the lives of and his refusal to endorse King Henry VIII’s divorce from individuals living during this time period and provides Catherine of Aragon because of inability to bear a son. some interesting social comparisons. The film won Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading This is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on the Role (Paul Scofield), Best Cinematography, Best Costume French Revolution. Have students complete a timeline of Design, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture. the French Revolution. Be sure that they include key events This film is a great resource for teaching a unit on the and explain the importance of the events. Students can then reformation. It provides a knowledge base for understand- share the timeline with the class. ing the impact King Henry VIII had on religion. To help engage students, have them complete an action-and-impact Age of Imperialism chart that lists the actions of King Henry VIII and Thomas Zulu Dawn (1979) More in one column. In the next column, students should Drama, Rated PG, 113 minutes, Color, Language: English and list the impact of those actions. Students can then share the Zulu action and impact chart with the class. Director: Douglas Hickox; Producer: Nate Kohn; Writers: and Anthony Story (2003) Production Company: Lamitas Drama, Rated PG-13, 123 minutes, Color, Language: English Cast: , Peter O’Toole, Simon Ward, Denholm and Latin Elliott, , and Director: Eric Till; Producers: Dennis Clauss, Brigitte Rochow, Christian Stehr, Alexander Thies, and Franz Thies; Writers: Zulu Dawn is set in British in January of 1879. Camille Thomasson and Bart Gavigan The film focuses on events leading up to the Anglo-Zulu Production Company: Eikon Film war and the British invasion of Zululand. Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Jonathan Firth, , and Peter This film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on Ustinov imperialism. To help engage students in the learning process have students examine imperialism as depicted in the film Luther is a biographical account of the life of Martin Luther, and the readings accompanying the unit. Have students the sixteenth-century German monk whose ideas sparked compare various forms of imperialism around the globe the Protestant Reformation. An outstanding piece of cin- and share their findings and opinions with classmates. ema, this film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on the Reformation. The historical account of Martin Luther’s life will provide students with a rich knowledge base for Lawrence of Arabia (1962) understanding Luther’s impact on religion and Drama, Rated G, 227 minutes, Color, Language: English civilization. Director: ; Producer: ; Writer: Robert Have students complete a timeline of Luther’s life. Be sure Bolt

January/February 2012 25 Production Company: War I. To help engage students in the learning process, have Cast: Peter O’Toole, Alec , Anthony Quinn, Omar them keep personal journals as if they were soldiers in World Sharif, and War I. Encourage students to keep vivid writings of expe- riences and battles along with mundane routines of daily Lawrence of Arabia is a biographical account of the life life. of T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole), a lieuten- ant. The film depicts Lawrence’s experiences during World (1971) War I and his role in helping Feisal of Arabia revolt Drama, Rated PG, 183 minutes, Color; Language: English against the . The film won seven Academy Director: Franklin J. Schaffner; Producers: Franklin J. Schaffner Awards including Best Director and Best Picture. and Sam Spiegel; Writer: James Goldman This film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on Production Company: Horizon Pictures World War I. To help engage students, have them examine Cast: Michael Jayston, Roderic Noble, Janet Suzman, and Ania Marson

Based on the non-fiction book by winning author Robert Massie, Nicholas and Alexandra tells the story of the Czar of Russia, Nicholas photo: Everett Collection II, and his wife Alexandra. Set during the Russian Revolution, the film depicts the events surrounding Nicholas II’s abdication. The film won Academy Awards for Best Art/Set Decoration and Best Costume Design. This film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on the Russian Revolution. Have students complete a timeline of the Russian Revolution. Be sure that they include key events and explain the importance of the events. Students can then share the timeline Lawrence Of Arabia, Peter O'Toole, 1962 with the class. the alliances of the war. To what degree did a system of inter- national alliances contribute to the outbreak of World War Nationalist Movements I? Encourage students to share opinions with classmates. Gandhi (1982) Alternative Title: ’s Film: Gandhi All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) Drama, Rated PG, 188 minutes, Color/Black and White, Drama, Rated PG, 133 minutes, Black and White, Language: Language: English English Producer/director: Richard Attenborough; Writer: Director: ; Producer: Jr.; Writer: Production Company: Carolina Bank Cast: , , , and Martin Production Company: Sheen Cast: , Arnold Lucy, , Scott Kolk, & John Wray, This film is a biographical account of the life of , a lawyer who became a major political and spiri- All Quiet on the Western Front is based on the novel by the tual leader of India. Gandhi won eight Academy Awards, same name written by . The film is including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and Best told from the perspectives of young German soldiers and Director. highlights the mental and physical challenges associated This film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on with war. The film won Academy Awards for Best Director nationalist movements and/or India. The film is an outstand- and Best Picture. ing piece of cinema and can be used as a secondary source or This is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on World record of the past. The historical account of Gandhi’s life will

Social Education 26 provide students with a rich knowledge base for understanding can be used as a secondary source or record of the past. Have his impact on the world. students complete a timeline of . Be sure that Have students discuss examples of nonviolent disobedi- they include key events and explain the importance of the ence in American history such as labor strikes, attempts of events. Students can then share the timeline with the class. suffragettes to vote at polling places, or the Montgomery bus boycott. What is the definition of ? Was the World War II Tea Party a nonviolent protest? Is the occupation of Letters from (2006) a public park or a factory floor a nonviolent action? Alternative Title: , Black Sand Drama, Rated R, 141 minutes, Color, Language: English (1987) Director: ; Producers: Clint Eastwood, Robert Alternative Title: Modai Huangi Lorenz, and ; Writer: Iris Yamashita Drama, Rated PG-13, 160 minutes, Color, Language: English Production Company: Director: ; Producer: ; Cast: , , , and Kazunari Writers: and Bernardo Bertolucci Ninomiya Production Company: Yanco Films Limited Cast: , Peter O’Toole, , , and is based on the non-fiction books Sad Victor Wong To Fall In Battle: An Account of War by Kumiko Kakehashi and Picture Letters from the Commander in Chief by General The Last Emperor is based on the autobiography of Pu Yi . The film depicts the battle of Iwo (1906–1967), who was named the emperor of at the age Jima from the perspective of the Japanese and serves as an of three, but deposed a few years later. He lived in China for excellent companion to Flag of Our Fathers, which depicts most of his life, including a period of imprisonment during the from the perspective. which he was “reformed” under Communist rule. The film The film won an Academy Awards for Best Achievement provides a unique perspective, as it was the first film ever in Sound Editing. made in the . The film won nine Academy This film does an excellent job helping students understand Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. multiple perspectives. Have small groups of students exam- An outstanding piece of cinema, this film is an excellent ine the perspectives from which history is often recorded. resource for teaching a unit on nationalist movements and/ Encourage students to share personal examples depicting an or China. To help engage students, have them complete a event that can be viewed from multiple perspectives. timeline of Pu Yi’s life. Be sure that they highlight key events and explain the impact of the events. Students can then share Africa Since 1945 the timeline with the class. (1987) Drama, Rated PG, 157 minutes, Color, Language: English Holocaust Producer/Director: Richard Attenborough; Writer: John Briley Schindler’s List (1993) Production Company: Universal Pictures Drama, Rated R, 195 minutes, Black & White/Color, Language: Cast: , , , English Penelope Wilton, and Director: Steven Spielberg; Produced By: Branko Lustig, Gerald Molen, and Steven Spielberg; Writer: Adapted from the books Biko and Asking for Trouble by Production Company: Universal Pictures Donald Woods, Cry Freedom tells the true story of Woods Cast: , Ben Kingsley, , and Caroline (Kevin Kline), a white South African newspaper editor, Goodall and his fight to publish a true account of the death of anti- leader (Denzel Washington). The film Based on ’s 1982 Booker Prize winning was well received and was nominated for three Academy book, Schindler’s Ark, this movie is the true story of Oskar Awards. Schindler (Liam Neeson), a businessman and a member of This film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on the Nazi party, who helped save the lives of over 1,000 Africa since 1945 and/or apartheid. To promote engagement, during the Holocaust by having them work in his factories. have students examine apartheid as depicted in the film and Schindler’s List won seven Academy Awards, including Best the readings accompanying the unit. How did this system Picture and Best Director. of oppression originate? How was it maintained? To what This film is an excellent resource for teaching a unit on the degree did international economic sanctions contribute to Holocaust. The film is an outstanding piece of cinema and the downfall of apartheid? To what degree was it an internal

January/February 2012 27 struggle? Have students compare racial segregation in Legal Issues South Africa with such segregation in other countries. Have students share opinions with classmates. Teachers are allowed to use copyrighted films in the classroom. However, there are legal guidelines. Section 110 (1) of Title 17 of the United States (2004) Code on Copyright and Conditions cites the following exemption for the use of copyrighted films for educational purposes: Drama, Rated PG-13, 121 minutes, Color, Language: English Performance or display of a work by instructors or pupils Director: ; Producers: Terry George and A. in the course of face-to-face teaching activities of a non- Kitman Ho; Writers: and Terry George profit educational institution, in a classroom or similar Production Company: place devoted to instruction, unless in the case of a Cast: , , and Joaquin Phoenix motion picture or other audiovisual work, the perfor- mance, or the display of individual images, is given by is set in 1994, during the Rwandan means of a copy that was not lawfully made under this Genocide in which an estimated one million Tutsis were title, and that the person responsible for the performance murdered by Hutu militias. This movie tells the true story knew or had reason to believe was not lawfully made. of (Don Cheadle), a hotel manager who provided shelter to over a thousand Tutsi refugees In other words, during the siege by Hutu militias. Hotel Rwanda was • Films must be shown in a non-profit educational institution. nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Within the institution, the film must be shown in a classroom Actor and Best Original Screenplay. or place intended for instruction. This film is a good resource for teaching a unit on Africa • Films must be for planned educational purposes, not for extra- since 1945 and/or the phenomenon of genocide. Have curricular entertainment. students examine the as depicted in • Films must be shown by the teacher in a “face-to-face” encoun- the film and the readings accompanying the unit. Have ter with students. them compare events surrounding the Rwandan Genocide, Although the Teach Act, signed by George W. Bush in 2002, loosened to other genocides around the globe (e.g., ethnic conflict, restrictions on classroom use of copyrighted materials, teachers are scapegoating, hate media/propaganda) and throughout prohibited from making or showing a pirated copy of a film, using film history and share what they have learned with class- for public performance, and/or from making a profit from the film. mates.

2005), www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia030905pkg. The Journal for the Liberal Arts and Sciences 10, no. Conclusion cfm. 3 (2006): 17-21. Film can be an extremely effective tool 2. W. Russell, Using Film in the Social Studies (Lanham, 8. For the complete model, see Russell, Using Film in and valuable resource for enhancing the Md.: University Press of America, 2007). the Social Studies. 3. M. Donnelly, “Educating Students about the 9. Shirley H. Engle, “Decision Making: The Heart of curriculum. It should never be used as a Holocaust: A Survey of Teaching Practices,” Social Social Studies Instruction,” The Social Studies 94, time-filler, but only to enhance the les- Education 70, no. 1 (2006): 51-54. no. 1 (2003): 7-10. (Reprinted with permission from son. Films can increase student interest 4. J. Leming, L. Ellington, and M. Schug, “The State of Social Education 24, no. 7 (1960): 301-304.) Social Studies: A National Random Survey of in the content, increasing their historical Elementary and Middle School Social Studies understanding, and motivate students to Teachers,” Social Education 70, no. 5 (2006): 322- References 327. 1. National Center for History in Schools, National go beyond rote memorization. Enabling Standards for Historical Thinking (1996), http://nchs. 5. Interview with James McPherson in W. Russell, Civil ucla.edu/standards/thinking5-12.html. students to go beyond recall and move War Films for Teachers and Historians (Lanham, Md.: University Press of America, 2008). 2. J. E. O’Conner and M. A. Jackson, American History/ toward higher order thinking is a goal of American Film (New , N.Y.: Ungar Publishing 6. R. A. Rosenstone, Visions of the Past: The Challenge Company, 1988). all social studies teachers. These higher of Film to Our Idea of History (, Mass.: order thinking skills will promote deci- Press, 1995); K.A. Matz and L.L. sion making—the heart of social studies Pingatore, “Reel to Reel: Teaching the Twentieth Century with Classic Films,” Social 9 education. The films detailed in this Education 69, no. 4 (2005): 189-192; article will enable students to gain a 7. M. P. Driscoll, Psychology of Learning for Instruction (Needham Heights, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon, 2005); deeper understanding, interest, and C. Bonwell and J. Eison, Active Learning: Creating appreciation for world history. Excitement in the Classrooms (Washington, D.C., 1991), Eric Clearinghouse on Higher Education, William Benedict Russell III is associate ERIC Document Reproduction No. ED340272; W. professor of Social Science Education in the College Notes Russell and J. Byford, “The Evolution of Man and of Education at the University of Central in 1. Kaiser Family Foundation, Generation M: Media in His Tools: A Simulation from the MACOS Project,” Orlando. He can be reached at [email protected]. the Lives of 8-18 Years Old (National Public Study,

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