Extra Credit Writing assignment for film or book
List and descriptions of films & book list

Got Social Studies
The Film and Book Curriculums in Grade Eight Social Studies

Dear Parents and Students,

            The film and book curriculums available to grade eight social studies students have been created to offer students the opportunity to connect their interests and passions to the study of society.  We believe that students are bombarded every day with messages and narratives that require questioning and reflection in order to be understood.  By using the resources and critical thinking strategies of this curriculum, it is our hope that students will become more thoughtful participants in the social world, and have a little fun along the way. In the first two weeks of school, students will spend time learning about and discussing the elements of literacy and visual literacy.

We have taken great care in selecting the films and books. All deal with issues, lives, or trends in American society or history.  We have selected films for their social significance, student interest, and student accessibility.  We have also selected films, which we hope many students have not seen, and might stretch students to look at film and society in new and different ways.  We realize, because of the nature of films in particular, that not every film will be appealing, suitable or interesting to every student and family.  There are some "R" titles in the list, which certain families may deem inappropriate.  There are some non-rated and "PG" films which may not be suitable to some families' value systems.  It is our hope that students will choose films with their families, and that you will make appropriate choices openly and in the spirit that this curriculum was created. 

We'd like to see students watching films together, and with their families.  We hope that the films and books will generate discussion between students, their families and their teachers.  We hope that you will check the film database web site hot linked to each film.  Students must have a signed parent permission form to check out any title with an "R" rating.  These are available in the library.  Films are available for overnight checkout only.  Friday checkouts should be returned on Monday.    

Film and book lists and the assignment templates are available at: http://www.asij.ac.jp/middle/ss8/filmdescriptions.htm.

Our film and book libraries will continue to be built, if you have suggestions for new titles, please let us know.

Each quarter each student is responsible for reviewing at least one film or book.  The specific assignments for each quarter will vary.   

Extra credit can also be earned by watching films, reading books, and writing about them.  Please discuss the particulars of this aspect of the curriculum with your teacher.

Yours Truly,

Sara Baquero-Garcia
Andy Dulac

The American School in Japan Web Site

Grade8 Home Page

This page was created and is maintained by the middle school social studies department at the American School in Japan. Send any comments or movie ideas to: sbaquero@asij.ac.jp.