Incorporating Film Studies into a Homeschool Curriculum

For anyone not familiar with the notion of film studies, incorporating such a thing into a homeschool curriculum might seem indulgent or fanciful. However, film studies isn't just about watching movies. It is a full fledged, genuine academic field of study.

Everything from beginning film studies classes to advanced degrees are offered in most universities. There's no reason to ignore this entire field of study in your child's early educational years. Kids well versed in the basics of film will have cultural, social, and academic advantages.

However, addressing and presenting it are important. It shouldn't be seen as a fluff class, or free for all, where children can watch their favorite movies in place of class time. Although movies chosen should be engaging and content/age appropriate, care should be taken to choose ones that merit study.

Beginning film studies classes usually revolve around genre. Common classifications include the Western, screwball comedy, silent film, propaganda film, war film, road film, animation, documentary, horror, sci-fi, thriller, action, fantasy, film noir, among several others.

Some of these genres are so basic to the understanding of film theory, such as the Western and screwball comedy, that they are almost requisites, consider tailoring the genres around your child's particular interests.

Below are particular film suggestions within four basic genres.

Note that the ratings and content of the films varies. Although none are rated R, you'll certainly want to consider the appropriateness of each film for your child, based on age, maturity, and comprehension. All films are probably suitable for more mature middle school students, on up through high school seniors.

The films with an asterisk are very commonly found featured in academic film studies classes. Unless otherwise noted, all are commonly found on well-stocked public library shelves, as well as Netflix.

Westerns

All Quiet on the Western Front*

The Searchers

High Noon

Stagecoach*

Screwball Comedy

It Happened One Night*

My Man Godfrey

Being There

Bringing up Baby

Animation

Humorous Phases of Funny Faces* (available online-first animated piece)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Animal Farm* (1954)

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Yellow Submarine

The Triplets of Belleville

Science Fiction

The Day the Earth Stood Still* (1951)

Planet of the Apes (1968)

2001: A Space Odyssey*

Fantastic Voyage (1966)

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Metropolis* (1927)

Finally, below are three ideas--resources and websites that offer great resources for homeschooling parents and students.

Annenburg Media has an entire film class available online called American Cinema. Its 13 episodes feature topics such as genre, individual directors, and thinking and writing about film. Highly recommended for younger and mature, or older high school age students. Free, with sign up account.

Here's something very simple and promising. Use an easy Google approach to find online course syllabi. For example, "site:.edu film course syllabus" brings up a host of syllabi of differing levels that you can appropriate and amend for designing your child's class.

Lastly, Sparknotes.com is a fabulous site for any homeschooling family. Designed as study aids, they are great resources as well for designing curriculum and course outlines. The study guides are free online in their entirety, and even include online, instantly graded quizzes and tests. There is an entire section for film, many of which are appropriate for middle school and high school age programs. Follow this link to view the film section: http://www.sparknotes.com/film/