As we examine the course of US History from the early Americans to present, at times it will be easier for you to remember or visualize how the historical pieces fit together if you have a reference point. Sometimes Hollywood gets it correct, well correct-ish, and so your summer assignment is to view movies/miniseries/tv shows on this list. Many of these movies can be found on Netflix, Amazon prime, YouTube, DVD at the library, or even played on tv,; you may have even already seen many of these movies. Many of these movies have a rating of PG-13 or R; many of the WWII films are graphic in the nature of demonstrating war. Please review the list with your parents and verify that they approve of your viewing of these films.
For your summer assignment, select at least 2-3 films from each section to examine.
Exploration-Civil War o The New World (2005) o The Crucible (1996) o Last of the Mohicans (1992) o The Patriot (2000) o Turn: Washington’s Spies (2014-present) o John Adams (HBO Series-is on Amazon) o Amistad (2004) o The Alamo (2004) o Lincoln (2012) o Glory (1989) o The Conspirator (2011) o Gangs of New York (2002)
Reconstruction-World War II o The Men Who Built America (History Channel
Series) o Newsies (1992) o Rough Riders (1997) o Flyboys (2006) o Of Mice and Men o The World Wars (History Channel Series WWI-
WWII) o Band of Brothers/ The Pacific (HBO-is on
Amazon) o Valkyrie (2008) o Flags of Our Fathers (2006) or Letters from Iwo
Jima (2006) o Wind Talkers (2002) o Red Tails (2012)
Cold War -Present o o o
October Sky (1999)
The Majestic (2001)
Pleasantville (1998) o Thirteen Days (2000) o Apollo 13 (1995) o Forrest Gump (1994) o The Help (2011) o The Butler (2013) o Mississippi Burning (1988) o All the President’s Men (1976) o Frost/Nixon (2008) o Argo (2012) o Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)
As you watch the film, take note of:
1.
The historical setting
2.
The historical conflict at the heart of the film
3.
The social, cultural, political, and economic norms (rules) of American society set at that time period a.
Social: interactions between people b.
Cultural: how people are living; religion, role of women, social classes c.
Political: government actions; laws/legislation d.
Economic: role of the economy, social classes, driving force of the economy (how are people making $)
4.
The end result of the film a.
How did the historical event end? b.
How did the characters of the movie change from the beginning to the end?
5.
Have you observed any similarities from period to period in social, cultural, political or economic themes?
Print or type one of the following sheets for each film you watch.
Your summer assignment will be due at the end of the first nine weeks for 50pts (each sheet is worth 5.5pts).

Film Title: ______________________________________________ Historical Period: ________________________
Things to consider while viewing
Notes
Historical Setting:
Where and When
Historical conflict at the heart of the film
American Society
Norms
(examples)
Social
Political
Economic
Cultural
Results of the film:

How did the historical event end?

How did the characters of the movie change from the beginning to the end?
Themes that transcend historical periods
Social
Political
Economic
Cultural