This week our discussion is about making your own documentary. If you had the resources to make your own film, think about what you would want it to be about. Documentaries focus on portraying aspects of reality and are non-fictional accounts. They are a way for an audience to see what is actually going on in the world. Reflect on issues in your community or stories that you want to be heard.
Here are some questions to think about:
What topic, theme, or story would your documentary be about? This could be issues from your school, your town, society in general or even yourself. It could be about anything!
What role would you want to play in the production? Would you be the director, producer, editor, cameraman, etc?
Who would you talk to for the interview sections of your film?
What do you think the biggest challenge would be with making a documentary?
Gilmore Girls is a dramedy (comedy-drama) that aired on the WB (and later the CW) from 2000-2007. It focuses on Lorelai, a single mother, and her daughter, Rory and their relationship. The show also deals with Lorelai's frequently tumultuous relationship with her parents.
Watch the video to learn more about the show:
Themes addressed in this show include education, class, wealth, and family dynamics. It is one of the few television shows that shows a healthy mother-daughter relationship. The characters of the show are of difference shapes, sizes, and races and are shown in a positive light.
Questions to think about:
How can parents and teens both relate to this show and its characters?
How is Lorelai and Rory's relationship similar and different to your relationship with your parents?
Would you consider Lorelai and Rory's bond as that of mother-daughter or best friends? Why? Does the distinction matter?
How does Rory's ambition influence her actions?
How does Lorelai's relationship with her parents influence Rory's connection with her grandparents?
Our discussion this week is about popularity. This is a major theme for teenage characters is many movies and television shows. Think about how popularity and peer pressure influence your own life. Consider the relationship between how popularity impacts your day to day life compared to how it is depicted in the media.
Questions to think about:
Do you think that popularity is a real issue in the lives of teenagers? Why or why not?
How does peer pressure and issues of popularity affect your life at school?
How do television shows and movies depict popularity compared to what you experience in your daily life?
Why do you think these shows and movies show popularity as such an important issue for teens?
In 2013, the CW network launched the show Reign. It is based very loosely on Mary, Queen on Scots. Since the show's debut, it has been criticized over and over again for its historical accuracies and focus on sex.
So what's this show all about:
This story takes place in the 16th century as Scottish Queen Mary Stuart travels to France to fulfill her duty to marry Prince Francis. Their marriage is set to unite France and Scotland as a European powerhouse. The plot is complicated by Mary's attraction for Francis' illegitimate half brother, Bash. Meanwhile the French queen, Catherine de Medici, schemes against their marriage as well.
Find out more by watching the trailer:
So what's the big deal:
There some positive messages to show. For example, Mary is depicted as smart, headstrong, politically minded young woman. She is able to hold her own. Besides that, most of the story is an overly dramatic (and sometimes made up) account of her life. While the characters' names are from history, but most of their storylines are made up. There are even characters that were created purely for the show to complicate the plot--they never actually existed in history. Throughout the show there is no identification as to what is factual and what is fiction. Additionally, the show relies heavily on sex appeal. The majority of the cast is absolutely gorgeous. Since it is broadcast television, sex is not explicitly shown, but it does have a strong influence on the overall plot.
Sow what's your takeaway? Think about these questions?
How does wealth and power affect the politics in the story and the characters' decisions? Are there similar situations in present day politics?
How are the sex scenes used to attract audiences? Are they a necessary to the plot? What do they add to the content of the story?
What can viewers learn about history from this show? What value does it have beyond entertainment?
Would the success of the show change if it was more historically accurate?
Where do we draw the line between fictional stories and historical accounts? How much of an overlap is acceptable on television?
How does the content of this show compare to other shows on the CW network? What are the similarities and differences?
After watching Reign, do you have a desire to learn the true history behind the story?
Should the CW have to explain that Reign is not historically accurate? Why or why not?
Let us know in the comments what you think about Reign!
This week our discussion is about using technology in the classroom. Teachers are increasingly using computers, smart-boards, and even tablets as part of classroom instruction. I am looking for your take on how this type of technology can be used to enhance your learning experience. There is a debate as to whether or not cell phones can be used in the classroom or if they should be banned completely. I want your opinions on issues like this.
Questions to think about:
How does watching a YouTube video or movie clip affect your learning process? Does it help you with learning and understanding new concepts?
Do you think it's possible to use your cell phone in class without getting distracted by text messages and other apps?
Should every student be able to use a tablet or laptop in the classroom? If yes, what do you think they should use it for?
What is your favorite app that is education related?
What should the limits be on cell phone use in the during school hours?
How would you like to use technology in the classroom?
