History, films and teaching - Bloody Sunday

A lot of people consider films a parody of history, the transformation of complex historical issues into popcorn fodder. I happen to believe that movies are an excellent introduction to such issues.They allow the teacher a way of stimulating curiosity in periods and/or places which students would have little interest in otherwise.

I also feel that EFL, at least at more advanced levels, short-changes students in term of education. We should be using the fact that our students have a decent grasp of English to introduce them to topics and ideas that might get overlooked otherwise in their education.

What the hell does this movie have to do with passing the exams ? In short, nothing. However, by exploring this topic you will be using all the skills and language that the exams test. In addition you may get a glimpse into a wider, more complex and interesting world.


Lesson Plan

1 Hand out the photocopy form the exercise below or direct students to this web site . They have to complete it for homework using the internet (Wiki is a good starting point). You could also look at various BBC sites.


Do The Research!


Directions: Research the topic indicated to the right and answer the questions below, based on that topic.

Topic: "Bloody Sunday" massacre in Ireland

1. Who was involved? (I.e. organizations, people, countries, corporations)





______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

2. What was the final outcome? (I.e. who won or lost?, what did they win or lose?)


______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

3. When did this all occur? (I.e. time period, date)


______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

4. Where did all of this take place?


______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________


Powered by: The Web Portal For Educators (www.teach-nology.com)

2 Ask students to discuss their answer as groups.

3 Ask students how they would feel if something like this happened in Greece.

4 If you have time show Bloody Sunday , (Ματωμένη Κυριακή). Explain to students they have to link what they say saw with what they read.

If you don't have enough time to show the whole movie, show a ten minute extract, (1hr to 1hr 10 mins).

5 Students discuss their answers together.

6 Explain to students that they were reporters at the march and their job is to report this event for the Greek press. If there not sure about the style they should use look at the BBC On This day site.

7 It could also form the basis of a CNN style podcast report (if you want to do just audio recordings) or a live TV broadcast using video (An ordinary digital camera with a 256mb memory card will give you about 20 minutes of video).