Welcome to the Demo version of this IUHS course.

Please feel free to explore the various pages and information links. Note that this demo version has no Modules, Grades or Quizzes, and no lesson content except for this introductory material.

Course Welcome: Welcome to History through Film! This course will ask students to study American history through film. Historians evaluate facts by selecting, arranging, and interpreting those facts for the purpose of telling the story of an era. This course will ask students to think a historian while evaluating films based on historical events or figures. Students will consult various texts, collaborate with peers, and explore film appreciation while examining films as historical evidence.

Course Navigation :

Each module is designed to be completed in 1 week. Due dates have been removed to allow students to work at their own pace however, students will need to maintain a pace that will allow them to finish the course before their required IUHS completion date. Please know that discussions and assignments are essential to the collaborative nature of the course.

All modules will have the following order of assignments. Everything must be completed in this order.

View instructions
Contribute to Pre-Film Discussion
Complete and Submit Pre-Film Assignment
View Film
Complete and Submit Post-Film Reflection
Contribute to Post-Film Discussion

Modules are designed to create a background knowledge of the films topic and then to foster reflection and discussion of the larger themes of the film.

Click on Modules to see the topics of study with instructions and assignments.

You can find a film list, rationale, and methods of viewing by clicking here.

Course Grades:

Each module is worth 12.5% of your course grade which offers equal weight to each film and theme of the course. All assignments/discussions will be worth 10 points.
The Capstone module is also with 12.5% of the course grade.
There is no final exam, the Capstone module will be your opportunity to show your understandings of the course material.

Course Goals/Objectives:

Students completing this course will be able to:

Evaluate sources to the extent of

Distinguishing fact from opinion
Recognizing perspective
Recognizing bias

Use film as a means of motivating students to study selected topic in history.
Utilize technology as a means of collaboration/networking.
Know important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to American history and society.
Use critical thought in the evaluation of historical sources.
Show research and writing skills through critical analysis essays that use film and other historical sources as evidence.

Enduring Understandings :

American society grew out of revolutionary ideas that brought our nation together and pulled us apart
The struggles of women, immigrants, and minority groups have shaped American society and culture.
American society goes into flux where social mores were redefined and many radical ideas expose the weaknesses of society and government.
American have a unique perception of their place on the world stage and this has shaped U.S. Foreign policy
The role of government in the lives of Americans is constantly evolving.
The best-laid plans often went astray with tragic and unexpected consequences.

Statement on film ratings : Some of the movies to be viewed for this course are rated PG-13 and R. Others have no rating as they were created before the Motion Picture Association of America began rating films. Keep in mind that PG-13 ratings did not begin until 1984 and some PG films created before that date may merit a PG-13 rating based on today’s standards. We believe viewing these films enables students to benefit from another medium as a resource in their study of events in history. Films, along with the course readings and discussions, will give students a well-rounded opportunity to discover history. Movies go beyond the dry facts and help bring events “alive.” Be assured that the films for this course will be utilized in a way to gain historical perspective.