The Silver Screen Classroom: Representations of Education & Learning On Film ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

From the ivy-covered halls of elite prep schools to embattled 'inner-city' public schools; from the 'rebel teacher' archetype to the 'struggling student' trope; film does more than entertain—it shapes the public’s perception of education. Students will discover how iconic films both challenge and reinforce society’s beliefs about what education means. Students will analyze not only the elements of storytelling in cinematography, but also historical and contemporary socioeconomic forces, power dynamics, cultural stereotypes, and educational philosophies portrayed in both dramatic and comedic films from the late 1930s to the present day.