Developing Global Citizens with Film

Developing Global Citizens with Film May 27, 2016

JourneysEngage your students with other cultures and religions through terrific films and curriculum resources developed by Journeys in Film.

In collaboration with USC Rossier School of Education, Journeys in Film selects movies and documentaries from the global film market. They look for relevant and inspirational films with universal themes.

Some of the films include The Story God with Morgan Freeman, He Named Me MalalaKahlil Gibran’s The ProphetThe Dhamma Brothers, or Children of Heaven from Iran.

The company writes a summary of each film and develops a curriculum guide for it, which teachers can download for free.

I downloaded the curriculum guide for the The Cup, a story about young Tibetan Buddhist monks in the Himalayas in northern India who scheme to watch some of the Soccer World Series. They sneak out of their monastery at night and try to get money for a satellite dish.

The lesson plans include a country profile of Tibet along with a sheet explaining its geography.  Another sheet includes essential questions to consider while watching the film. The guide also discusses the importance of mandalas in Tibetan Buddhism and shows students how to construct one.

I teach in a county whose portrait of a graduate includes developing ethical global citizens “who can acknowledge and understand diverse perspectives and cultures when considering local, national, and world issues.”

Journeys in Film goes a long way in giving teachers the tools to teach these skills.

Below, Actor Liam Neeson explains why children today need to develop a more global view.


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