As part of our study of literature the English I and Pre AP English I classes utilize videos available to enhance our course of study. Viewing, listening, and analysis skills are a part of this program. We may be viewing the following materials, in whole or in part, as time permits. 

Ulysses. (1954) Starring Kirk Douglas. Adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey.

               Not rated.

The Odyssey. (1997) Starring Armand Assante. Rated PG-13.

Romeo & Juliet. (1968) Directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Rated PG-13.

West Side Story. (1961) Starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno. Not rated.

Romeo & Juliet (1997) Starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Rated   PG-13.

To Kill a Mockingbird. (1962) Starring Gregory Peck. Not rated.

A Separate Peace. (1973) Starring Parker Stevenson. Rated PG.

Animal Farm. TNT TV movie and or animated movie. Rating unknown.

The Chosen. (1982) Starring Robbie Benson. Rated PG.

Most Dangerous Game. (1932) Starring Faye Wray and Joel McCrea. Not

                                     rated.

The Murder of Emmett Till. PBS.

The Scottsboro Tragedy, PBS.

Holes. (2003) Starring Sigourney Weaver and John Voight. Rated PG.

Clash of the Titans. (1981) Starring Harry Hamlin. Rated PG.

Plus any videos already in our library pertaining to author biographies, poetry, grammar, or writing.

The use of these videos provides the students the ability to

-         Examine the effect of media in constructing his/her own perception of reality (TEKS 21A)

-         Recognize how visual and sound techniques or design convey messages in media such as special effects, editing, camera angles, reaction shots, sequencing, and music (TEKS 20D)

-         Deconstruct media to get the main idea of the messenger’s content (TEKS 20B)

-         Describe how meaning are communicated through elements of design, including shape, line, color, and texture (TEKS 19A)

Many students are visual learners and the reinforcement of the spoken and written word in visual form can cement their beliefs and knowledge of a particular concept, theme, etc. Additionally, a student’s attention span during a video is increased as compared to direct teaching and group work. Students often think in pictures, so class discussions are more productive when students can then go back to a scene in the video and use that as evidence for his/her assertion.