Endorses the television series entitled "Culture Shock" that views controversial art as an artifact suggesting that the arts, and controversies surrounding them, can help viewers think critically about the issues of past and present societies. Focuses on "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," the painting "Olympia,"…

Considers three approaches to using entertainment films in history and social studies classes. Provides a list of Hollywood films currently available on videotape and a list of books, articles, and journals dealing with the role of film in society. (GG)

Contends that history teachers should help students develop critical viewing and thinking skills about visual images. Discusses the emerging practice of blurring the lines between entertainment and information in television, films, and other visual presentations. Provides two sets of questions to help students analyze documentaries, television…

Outlines classroom techniques for analyzing historical films and documentaries. Provides student materials to develop media literacy. Suggests that role-playing might be useful in stimulating student consideration of the actual production of a documentary. Emphasizes the transfer of critical insights developed in class to other media experiences.…

Describes a year-long elective film course in modern U.S. history for twelfth grade students. Explains course methodology and objectives. Analyzes selected films to illustrate how the course elucidates the consensus-conflict theme in U.S. history since the 1930s and enhances student understanding of Hollywood's perspective on gender, race, and…

Asserts that the PBS series "The Civil War" presents historical information that can encourage critical thinking by students. Offers a lesson plan based on one program in the series, "The Cause." Provides questions for student discussion and outlines writing assignments based on the series. (CFR)