TEACHING LITERATURE IN FILM

A study of literature has been taught in films set in high schools

INTRODUCTION
This is a study of how literature is taught in films which are based in a classroom setting and are usually about a teacher who has inspired his or her students to higher achievements. It includes an overview of techniques that have been used by such movies as well as the idea that a teacher offers emotional support as well as academic guidance.

Why English Literature is a Popular Subject To Be Taught Onscreen A majority of films set in high schools usually

centre around a teacher of English Literature. Film critic Roger Ebert says that, Film, poetry and drama have in common that they are all mediums of expression and what better way to represent one such medium than through another? Richard Corliss elaborates that literature has always given human beings the most scope to inspire and be inspired and, in the end, that is what these kinds of films aspire to.

To Sir, With Love

1967 film starring Sidney Poitier as Mark Thackeray, a teacher at a school in the East End of London. Based on a novel of the same name by E.R. Braithwaite. The students come from tough backgrounds, broken families and have been rejected by most other schools.

Thackeray doesnt just teach them the standard curriculum; he also instructs them in matter such as composure and deportment. Before he teaches them Shakespeare, he actually takes them to a museum and to see some of Shakespeares plays performed.

Dead Poets Society

1989 film starring Robin Williams as John Keating, a new teacher of poetry at the traditional and conservative Welton Academy in 1959. His teaching methods are innovative and he firmly believes that poetry must be felt and experienced rather than just learned and taught.

Ripping of the pages with the almostmathematical introduction to the reading of poetry. Unconventional teaching methods such as the march in the courtyard. His insistence on self-expression and encouragement.

Dangerous Minds
1995 film starring Michelle Pfeiffer as LouAnne Johnson, an ex-marine who takes on the difficult job of teaching poetry in an inner-city school class of The Rejects. Based on My Posse Dont Do Homework

Unorthodox teaching methods such as the incentive system. Use of popular music to introduce symbolism and metaphor. The Dylan-Dylan contest.

Freedom Writers
2007 film starring Hilary Swank as Erin Gruwell, a teacher at a multiracial school in 1994. The Unteachables

Teaches Holocaust poetry through actual meetings with Holocaust survivors. Student diaries which were later published as The Freedom Writers Journals.

Based on true stories are plausible examples of classroom teaching. Literature is not just a subject to be taught, it has a moral purpose and it is upto the teachers to bring that up. A teacher who instills belief in students and encourages them to explore, question and create.