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Early Representations of Schools in Film: A Critical Discussion on Blackboard Jungle and To Sir, With Love

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Online Film Analysis Forum 1: Setting the Scene, Early Representations of Schools on Screen – Critical Discussion Group 1
In this forum, you will discuss and address the prompts given below. You should integrate your course readings within your initial response. Your posting should vary from 3-4 sentences minimum in order to receive points/credit. Discuss your answers to the questions posed in the assignment. After your initial posting, you will then work collaboratively to create a 3-4 slide presentation of the prompts below. Final presentations are due by Sunday, February 2.
Reflecting on our films in Module 1 (Blackboard Jungle; To Sir, With Love) complete the following tasks:
Respond to the following questions individually within your discussion group (due Thursday):
In these films, how can we view the portrayal of schools and authority figures, more broadly in society?
How is age connected to moral failure—or success—throughout the film?
How does the different intersections of identity in the students impact perceived status?
What impact, if any, does the students’ intersectional identity have on status as needing saving and reform? What impact does this have on their own interpersonal relationships?
What impact or role does gender identity play in these films, if at all?
Select 1 film to explore and analyze more deeply. Then, create a mini visual presentation (3-4 slides) highlighting the following (due Sunday):
Identify THREE elements from the film that were most compelling and why.
Make sure to also research how your selected film compares to other films of the same director, genre, theme, etc.? What is the same? What is different? What can you infer from these similarities/dissimilarities about the film or the director?
Make sure you have completed your collaborative work on the shared Google Slides (linked below), by the end of the day

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Watch and Reflect on the Films: Start by watching the films Blackboard Jungle and To Sir, With Love. Pay close attention to the portrayal of schools, authority figures, students’ interactions, and how the social dynamics play out. Take notes on the key themes that emerge regarding education, authority, and identity.
Answer the Initial Discussion Questions: After reflecting on the films, answer each of the following questions in at least 3-4 sentences:
- How are schools and authority figures portrayed in these films, and how does that relate to broader societal views?
- In what ways is age connected to moral failure or success in the films?
- How do the different intersections of identity (race, class, etc.) of the students impact their perceived status in the films?
- What role does gender identity play in the films, and how does it influence the students’ relationships and development?
Select One Film to Analyze Deeper: Choose either Blackboard Jungle or To Sir, With Love for a more in-depth analysis. Identify three compelling elements from the film, such as key scenes, character development, or themes. Reflect on why these elements stand out to you.
Research and Compare Films: Research other works by the same director or films within the same genre. For example, if you chose Blackboard Jungle, look at other films by Richard Brooks. Consider how these films compare in terms of style, theme, or portrayal of authority and education. Identify what is similar and what is different, and infer what that might reveal about the director’s approach or message.
Collaborative Work on Google Slides: After completing your individual analysis, collaborate with your discussion group to create a 3-4 slide presentation. Divide the work among the group members, ensuring each person contributes their insights from the initial discussion and deeper analysis.
Final Review and Submission: Review your contributions and the collaborative Google Slides presentation before submitting. Ensure the content is clear, well-organized, and visually engaging. Each group member should have their name included, and the presentation should reflect the group’s collective work.