Critical Thinking through Popular Cinema

Overview

Programme IDAEP0220272

Programme TypeTalks

Recommended Size 15 - 45

Language English

Programme Format On-site, Digital

Cost $650.00 Per hour

Primary Art Form - Sub-Genre Digital Media - Filmmaking

Student Profile Secondary Upper, JC/CI

Duration

Secondary Art Form - Sub-Genre -

Venue (where applicable)

Showcase

Programme Synopsis Popular films are not just mindless entertainment; upon critical examination, they actually reveal deeper insights into cultural fears, anxieties, desires, and important issues in modern societies. For example, how do contemporary superhero films such as Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman (2017) and Destin Daniel Cretton’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) relate to real-life social movements? How do coming-of-age characters in animated films deal with mental health issues? To address these questions about diverse topics in popular films, critical thinking is (the) key. This programme aims to demystify critical thinking by making the process of critical thinking itself explicit and visible—and hence more accessible for students. Specifically, students will be guided through a systematic 3-step approach to critical analysis through the fun and accessible medium of popular films. Through close analysis of film clips and situating films within wider contexts, students will learn how to methodically map out and unpack arguments, using the criterion-based intellectual standards of critical thinking: relevance, sufficiency, and acceptability. Ultimately, students will learn how to use popular films as a form of source-based evidence to analyse and interpret past and present socio-political issues; apply specific critical thinking skills in a structured manner when articulating complex issues through effective arguments; as well as appreciate popular films at a deeper level. This programme offers a range of focus topics that you can choose from for your students, such as: 1) Self-identity in Superhero Films 2) Law and Justice in Superhero Films 3) Mental Health in Animated Films 4) War and Cinema Some examples of popular films covered in this programme are Brad Bird’s Incredibles 2 (2018), Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008), Pete Docter’s Inside Out (2015), and Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit (2019), depending on which focus topic you choose. Films are carefully curated for specific student groups and based on IMDA’s Films Classification Database. Integral to the programme are student-engagement activities that include a combination of digital platforms such as Kahoot! and Poll Everywhere, open-ended questions posed to the floor, and small group discussions for collaborative learning. These activities aim to consolidate students’ learning and empower them to become more effective self-directed thinkers beyond the programme, as they will be able to apply the same critical thinking techniques when engaging with other texts and media, as well as school subjects such as History, Geography, English Literature, Social Studies, Economics, and General Paper.

Focus Areas Appreciate Arts & Culture, Articulate Thoughts & Ideas

Point of Emphasis Arts in Society

Lesson Goal #1 To create awareness on the deeper value of popular cinema and its ideological role in shaping ideas in society.

Lesson Goal #2 To empower students to think critically and form independent responses about film through a visible and systematic 3-step critical thinking approach.

Audio/Sound System, Microphone

Face-to-face session: - Projector and screen - Stable internet connection needed for activities on digital platforms e.g., Kahoot!, Poll Everywhere, etc. - Student’s personal learning devices to participate in these activities Digital session: - Session will be conducted via Zoom created by the vendor - Student’s personal learning devices to participate in activities on digital platforms e.g., Kahoot!, Poll Everywhere, etc.

The Tote Board Arts Grant was introduced in 1995 to encourage the development of a vibrant arts culture in schools, and to promote arts appreciation amongst students.

Each year, all MOE schools and ITE Colleges may opt-in to receive the Arts Grant. Schools may use the grant to subsidise the purchase of programmes under the NAC-AEP and for the Artist-in-School Scheme (AISS).

All approved programmes are listed on the NAC-AEP Directory and come with a valid Letter of Eligibility.

To purchase this programme, contact the representative listed on the Programme Detail Page and make contractual arrangements directly with the programme provider.

Please ensure that a valid Letter of Eligibility (LOE) is obtained. Note that MOE procurement guidelines apply.

Payment should be made directly to the programme provider. Claims for the Arts Grant should be made via IFAAS and in accordance to Grant Guidelines.

Programme providers are permitted to make changes to the following aspects of an NAC-AEP, according to the school’s needs:

Programme duration, including no. of sessions
Cost of programme
Class size

Under the above conditions, schools can make claims based on revised programme costs using the same Programme ID listed on the Letter of Eligibility (LOE).

The following changes are not permitted when customising programmes:

Changes to content
Inclusion of non-approved instructor(s)

Offered by:

subtxt LLP

At subtxt, Ain and Wei Li conduct lectures and workshops to teach critical thinking through film to pre-university students.

Contact

Nurul Ain Binte Yahya nurulain@subtxt.com.sg Visit provider page

This programme has not been reviewed