Extra Credit Opportunities
American History
For those students who wish to earn extra credit within my classroom, I offer one
opportunity each semester. Below are a list of movies relating to historical periods which
we are or will be studying in this class. You must choose a film from the list below and
bring it to me for approval prior to watching it. You must also have your parents sign a
permission slip saying that they allow you to watch the film you and I have agreed upon.
Below is an example of the permission slip I will be sending home. After watching one of
these films, you are to write a reaction. These summaries are to be two pages minimum, 12
point font, typed, double-spaced, and turned in by the date designated on the website each
semester. I will not accept any summaries turned in after the final date. For students in the
American History class, this means you may complete two such movie assignments, one
each semester. The written responses are to summarize the movie and also respond to the
themes the movie presented. This means writing your personal reaction to the movie.
Although there is a 2-page minimum, there is no maximum length for this assignment.
Each assignment can be worth 1-10% points, depending on the length, the insight shown,
and the maturity of the response. I expect all papers to be grammatically correct and in
paragraph form. Any questions? Feel free to ask me about this before or after class.
American History Extra Credit Movies
The Grapes of Wrath
October Sky
United 93
Remember the Titans
Good Night and Good Luck
Ghosts of Mississippi
Apollo 13
Citizen Kane
To Kill a Mockingbird
Best Years of Our Lives
Inherit the Wind
And the Band Played On…
All the President’s Men
The Untouchables
Fat Man and Little Boy
Gangs of New York
Eight Men Out
Bonnie and Clyde
American Graffiti
Matewan
Badlands
Tora, Tora, Tora
Forrest Gump
Malcolm X
Fail-Safe
13 Days
Black Hawk Down
The Crucible
Do the Right Thing
All the Kings Men
On the Waterfront
Permission Slip for Extra Credit
Dear Parent,
My name is Ms. Lane and I am your son/daughter’s American History teacher. For
this American History class I offer an extra credit opportunity once every semester
in which my students may choose a movie from the list I have provided. They are
then to watch the movie and write a synopsis and reaction to the themes the
movie presents. I have chosen a wide variety of movies that address many
different time periods throughout American History. Your son/daughter has chosen
_____________________________________________as the film they wish to
watch. This movie is rated _______. I have written a brief synopsis of the movie
below for you to review. If you do not approve of your son or daughter viewing this
film, please let me know. There are over thirty movies to choose from and I am
open to any suggestions you may have. If you do approve of the film your student
has chosen please indicate by signing this permission slip and having your student
return it to me. Thank you for your time and I look forward to speaking with you in
the future.
Sincerely,
Ms. Lane
SYNOPSIS:
-----------------------------------------------------------Student (please print):
Date:
_____Yes, I approve of the film my student has chosen to watch for extra credit.
_____No, I do not approve of my student viewing this film. I would prefer my
student watch another film.
Suggestions:
Parent Signature:
Date: