History 12 Through Film
Course Outline
My agenda for this class is that I want you to THINK. I want you to think critically and laterally.
This course is predicated on the understanding that we are the first generation to construct our
reality based on electronic images of reality. Movies have become the ‘fast and easy’ way to educate
ourselves about the past. Ignoring the reality that many of us base our historical knowledge on
movies would be irresponsible. This course is designed to educate you in the art of film analysis
which will require you to critically think about what you have seen. You will ultimately be required to
separate the facts from bias, erroneous information, and exaggeration.
Curriculum
This course will take a thematic approach towards conflict, social justice (human rights
movements/crimes against humanity), documentary films and other areas of interest. You can expect
the following course work for each film:
 Pre-film lesson/discussion on the background of the film, its characters, the history in which it
is set, etc.
 Post-film discussion (this is your attendance/participation assessment piece)
 Bi-monthly quizzes and post-film review assignments.
Evaluation
Your course grade will be broken down into the following percentages:
Assignments ~ 40%
Post-film discussion/attendance/participation ~ 20%
Quizzes ~ 40%
Useful Information:
If you are absent, the first place to visit is the internet:
http://sd67.bc.ca/teachers/llacroix
If you have missed a film viewing day, it will be your responsibility to find a copy of that film and
watch it on your own time, using all the tools expected during class, contributing to class discussion
and completing your blog on that film.
History 12 Through Film
CLASS RULES
1. This is a NO CELL PHONE COURSE. Don’t even bring it to class. If you do and I see you
using it while a film is showing, I will ask you to either give me the phone and I would
expect no argument. That is how you can expect to be treated in a movie theatre if you
disturb other patrons while they are enjoying a movie.
2. You don’t need my permission to use the bathroom. You don’t need anyone’s permission to
use the bathroom. Your parents spent tireless months teaching you how to use the
bathroom, and I am not here to undo their good work. If you need to use the bathroom,
please leave the room to do so. Without my permission.
3. Hungry? Feel free to consume healthy snacks and beverages in 310. Also, feel free to treat
room 310 like your family kitchen. That is, unless, you tend to just throw your cups and
packaging on the floor and expect your parents to pick up after you. Then treat 310 like
MY kitchen, where I would expect you to recycle what you can and dispose of the rest in
the garbage.
4. Late? Enter the room quietly and NEVER walk in front of the screen or the old lady. Ever.
Checkmymark.com. I use this online grading program, so check it for any academic updates.
Another great way is just to ask me how you’re doing.
History 12 Through Film
Course Syllabus
UNIT ONE
EARLY
CONFLICT
Weeks Focus
1-2
Analysis of how
ancient civilizations
dealt with conflict and
war, including topics
of conquest and
imperialism.
Goals
Films
Understand and
describe how
conflict and war was
fought in past eras,
the effect that these
conquests had on
populations.
Gladiator
Kingdom of Heaven
Braveheart
Last of the Mohicans
Master and Commander:
The Far Side of the
World
UNIT TWO
MODERN
CONFLICT
Weeks Focus
3-8
Analysis of how
modern civilizations
deal with conflict and
war, including topics
of conquest and
imperialism. A special
focus on WWII,
Vietnam War, postcolonial Africa, and the
Middle East.
Goals
Films
Understand and
describe how
conflict and war is
fought in our most
recent eras, the
effect that these
conquests have on
populations.
Letters from Iwo Jima
Life is Beautiful
Full Metal Jacket
The Last King of
Scotland
Blood Diamond
Blackhawk Down
The Hurt Locker
Paradise Now
United 93
Babel
Four Lions
History 12 Through Film
UNIT THREE
HUMAN
RIGHTS
MOVEMENTS
Weeks
8-14
Focus
Goals
Films
Analysis of the origins
of the slave trade,
slavery to
emancipation in
America, and the civil
rights movement of
the 20th century.
Develop
historical empathy
through greater
understanding of
the impact that
slavery has had on
the Americas and
the race relations
up to and including
today.
Amistad
Analysis of the first
Develop historical
and second wave
empathy through
feminist movements in greater
the 20th century.
understanding of
the challenges
faced and still
facing women in
their struggle for
equal rights
throughout the
world.
Analysis of the LGBQT
rights movements in
Develop historical
th
the 20 century.
empathy through
greater
understanding of
the challenges
faced and still
facing the LGBQT
community in their
struggle for equal
rights throughout
the world.
12 Years a Slave
42
Mississippi Burning
The Butler
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Water
The Accused
Women Without Men
Incendies
Carol
The Imitation Game
Milk
Grandma
History 12 Through Film
UNIT FOUR
Documentary
Films
Weeks
14-18
Focus
Goals
Films
Analysis of how
documentary films
differ from their
contemporaries and
discourse on bias
Describe a wide
range of social
issues - based on
student interest
and input
Man on Wire
Citizenfour
The Imposter
The Act of Killing
Student Choice
Given student input
throughout the
year, a selection of
‘must see’ films
based on a variety
of criteria.
To be determined by
the class.