Shake This Square World and Blast Off for Kicksville: Teaching History with Post-WWII Prescriptive Classroom Films
Journal Title
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Issue Date
2010-11
Authors
Neuhaus, Jessamyn
Publisher
The History Teacher
Keywords
Abstract
The article discusses using social adjustment films from the late 1940s to the 1960s to teach students about U.S. history. It examines several films' themes including sexuality, manners, and drug use. Other films concerned safety, driving, and dating. The author reflects on her students' reactions to the films and analyzes humor as an educational tool. Several prescriptive classroom films are discussed, including "Marijuana" starring singer Sonny Bono, "A Date With Your Family" and "What to Do on a Date." The article also comments on viewing these mental hygiene films as reactions to social change.
Description
Originally printed in The History Teacher, published quarterly by the Society for History Education, Inc.: http://www.thehistoryteacher.org