HW

Rationale: This assignment will allow students to analyze how society experiences “disability” as it is portrayed in film. The ways in which individuals and groups are portrayed in popular media can have a profound effect on how they are viewed by society at large. There are popular films that show the triumphs and challenges of individuals with disabilities. Many of those representations are accurate, many are inaccurate, and some are even offensive. Their inclusion in this course is intended to stimulate discussion and should by no means be considered an endorsement of their accuracy or appropriateness.

Description: View a movie of your choice about a person with a disability. Write a concise 3 page review using the guidelines provided. Some recommendations include:

Like Stars on Earth,
Temple Grandin,
I am Sam,
Radio,
Of Mice and Men,
If I Had Wings,
Simon Birch,
Nell,
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,
Little Man Tate

Directions:

Watch one of the suggested movies and write a summary which includes:

Title, director, actors in major roles (movie)
Name and describe the specific disability
General information about the disability, and the needs that usually pertain to it
Describe the challenges and difficulties which the person has or had to overcome
Describe the problems that emerged along the way regarding family relationships, education, social life, and occupational endeavors
Describe the strategies used by the person to cope with challenges and stresses pertaining to the disability
Describe how peer, parents, professionals, and the community supported or hindered this person in his/her development and pursuit of life goals
Evaluate what can be learned from this person’s experience and your personal reaction to the experience of seeing the movieV