The goal of this work is to show possibilities and to analyze the usability for working with the film “the pursuit of happyness” (spelled on purpose with an “y” instead of an “i”) in class. I will start with a summarize of the films content in a short form (chapter two). Chapter three will introduce and analyze the main topics of the film. In chapter four, the main part of this term paper, will try to explain why this film is a good choice for working with it in the EFL classroom. Hereby I will try to show how this film can be embedded in topics of the German curriculum.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Summary
3. Analyze Main Topics
3.1. American Dream „if you want something go and get it“
3.2. Poverty „possible means no“
3.3. Relationship father-son „you gotta trust me, all right?“
3.4. Money “the pursuit of happiness”
4. Explanation
5. Teaching sequence
5.1. Teaching sequence: Diary of a homeless
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This term paper explores the pedagogical potential of using the film "The Pursuit of Happyness" within the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom, specifically addressing its relevance to the German curriculum and its capacity to engage students with complex social issues.
- Analysis of core themes: The American Dream, poverty, and family dynamics.
- Pedagogical application of cinema in EFL education.
- Alignment of cinematic content with German school curricula requirements.
- Evaluation of social welfare systems in the USA versus Germany.
- Development of teaching sequences to enhance linguistic and social competencies.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2. Poverty „possible means no“
Another big topic of the film is the poverty which appears in many different aspects in the movie. At first you see the family which is badly influenced by the poverty. The poverty ruins the atmosphere of the family. Chris and Linda are fighting about money the whole time and are not able to live without counting on every dollar. As a result, Linda is full of economic fears and decides to leave the family.
The film shows the big difference in the social system from the USA to Germany. The social system in the USA does not secure of homelessness like it does in Germany. Everyday, Chris and his son have to wait in huge lines of hundreds of people to get a save sleeping place. Sometimes they are lucky and get a room and a bed to stay; sometimes they have to sleep in public toilets or other bad places.
Moreover, another aspect of poverty in the movie shows the children poverty. Christopher has to stay in a really bad childcare place, because Chris is not able to spend more money for a better place. You get to see a homeless six year old who is not able to do normal things like other children do. In one scene he wants to go so badly to a baseball game but they are not able to do it because of Chris ´work. In another scene they have to run to get the bus to be in time to get a sleeping place in the shelter. By running he loses his only toy, but they cannot go back, otherwise they would have had to sleep on the street again.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the seminar context and the motivation for using film in the EFL classroom, emphasizing its ability to combine visual and auditory stimuli for language acquisition.
2. Summary: This section provides a concise overview of the plot, detailing the true story of Christopher Gardner's struggle with poverty and his eventual success as a stockbroker.
3. Analyze Main Topics: This chapter examines the central themes of the film, including the American Dream, the impact of poverty, father-son relationships, and the role of money.
4. Explanation: This section argues for the suitability of the film as a teaching tool, highlighting its relevance to various units within the German school curriculum.
5. Teaching sequence: The author presents a practical classroom methodology titled "Diary of a homeless," designed to practice listening, writing, and speaking skills.
6. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the film's value in the classroom while cautioning that it should be used as a starting point for critical discussion rather than a realistic depiction of professional success.
Keywords
EFL Classroom, Teaching Films, The Pursuit of Happyness, American Dream, Poverty, Social System, Father-Son Relationship, Curriculum, Language Acquisition, Media Education, Pedagogical Methods, Homelessness, Storytelling, Critical Thinking, Classroom Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic work?
The paper evaluates the pedagogical utility of the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" for teaching English as a Foreign Language in German secondary schools.
Which core themes are analyzed in the film?
The paper explores the American Dream, the realities of poverty, the dynamics of father-son relationships, and the societal impact of financial status.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to demonstrate how the film can be integrated into the German educational curriculum to teach both language skills and intercultural topics.
What pedagogical methods are proposed?
The author suggests using a "segment presentation" method to encourage students to analyze specific scenes and write diary entries from the characters' perspectives.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body provides an analysis of the film's plot and themes, followed by a detailed discussion on how the film aligns with specific learning requirements for German Realschule and Hauptschule students.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include EFL Classroom, American Dream, Poverty, Media Education, and Pedagogical Methods.
Why does the author critique the "American Dream" portrayal in the film?
The author argues that the film offers a potentially misleading "Hollywood" version of success that might overlook the systemic importance of formal education.
How does the author relate the film to the German educational system?
The paper explicitly references specific grade levels and curriculum units in Hessen, such as "Politische und soziale Probleme in den USA," where the film can be effectively implemented.
- Quote paper
- Nadine Custer (Author), 2012, Teaching the Movie "The Pursuit of Happyness", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/263869
