Topic 1
Watch a film from the Depression Era (1930 – 1940) which address Social Class as part of its narrative. You may choose one of the films from the “Depression Era Films” list in Week Three’s Content. Identify the social classes in this film and briefly describe them. Is there any one class that is seen as better than the others, or worse than the others? Explain.
The concept of the American Dream – that anyone through hard work can succeed, no matter who they are or where they are from – is an important aspect of America’s self-image as a capitalist democracy. In what ways does the movie you watch speak to The American Dream?
Can you give examples of the the American Dream in other films you have seen?
Topic 2
Watch a film that targets a teen or college-age audience which address Social Class as part of its narrative. You may choose one of the films from the “Teen Movies Involving Social Class” list in the Week Three Content. The only film you cannot use for this discussion is “The Breakfast Club”.
Identify the social classes in this film and briefly describe them. Is there any one class that is seen as better than the others, or worse than the others? Explain.
For the sake of argument, let us agree that producers of the film wanted to make a point about social class in this film. What do you think that point would be? Explain.
Do you see class represented in American movies in ways that match your own experience of class? Explain.
