Seminar in Cinema:

Swing Kids

A. DECODING - Theme

Choose one of the following “gray” or “round” characters and discuss how they represent the theme “Good Versus Evil”, then write a paragraph response.

1. Herr Knopp, the Gestapo Officer

2. Thomas Berger

B. COMPREHENSION

Summarize the plot of the film pointing out the Preceding Action(s), a few Rising Action(s), Climax, Falling Action, Resolution.

C. CONTEXT

Choose one of the two options below, then write a paragraph response.

1. What was going on in the world (historically, culturally, politically) when this film was made - or that influenced the story?

2. Did all of the events portrayed in the film ring true or possible? Describe the scenes that you found especially accurate or that didn't seem to match reality? Why was this?

D. INTERPRETING

How might different people (such as race, sex, nationality, age, etc.) view the film differently? Use examples, quotes, events cited from the film and connect strongly to the analysis.

E. SYNTHESIZING INFORMATION

Choose one of the two options below, then write a paragraph response.

1. Compare and/or contrast this film to another film. Use examples, quotes, events from the film.

2. Compare and/or contrast this film to another story or real-life event(s). Use examples, quotes, events are cited from the film and connect strongly to the analysis.

F. SYMBOLISM

Choose one of the following symbols below, then write a paragraph response. Consider the objects purpose as well as what they represent.

1. The Radio

2. Arvid’s guitar

3. Thomas’ motorcycle

Adapted by Rob Slater from original ideas of Darin Detwiler