Mrs. O’Dwyer’s US History
Alamo *Gods and Generals & Gettysburg *Boy in the Striped Pajamas
PG-13 Movie Lesson Permission Slip
______
This year, we are studying Westward Expansion, Civil War, and the Holocaust in US History. I have selected film clips to view in class from the movies listed above. Due to the MPAA rating and subject matter of these films, I would need parent / guardian permission to allow your child to view its content.
The first film is a synopsis of the battle that took place in San Antonio de Bexar at a ruined mission known as the Alamo. In the spring of 1836, about 200 Texans defended this fort for 13 days against the Mexican army of 6,000 men led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the military dictator of Mexico. The film focuses on the events surrounding the days before the battle, the 13 days of the siege, and the aftermath at the Battle of San Jacinto. Colonel William Barret Travis, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, and Sam Houston are the main historic characters that this film will focus upon. This film is rated PG-13 for sustained intense battle sequences.
The Civil War films give students a better understanding of not only the battles, but also the leaders behind the strategies, we will be watching selected parts of these two films. The first film, “Gods and Generals”, charts the early stages of the Civil War in 1861. The film continues through 1863 ending with the battle at Chancellorsville. The film also focuses on the contributions two famous individuals of the war: Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, a professor at Bowdoin College who gave up a promising academic career to enlist in the Union army. The Confederacy’s Lt. Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson who was one of General Lee’s best commanding officers and is best known for his victories at the Battles of Manassas (Bull Run), Fredericksburg, and his death at Chancellorsville. This film is rated PG-13 for sustained intense battle sequences. The second film, “Gettysburg”, gives a depiction of the historical and personal events surrounding and including the decisive three – day battle that has become known as the turning point in the war. Details of the defense of Little Round Top and Pickett’s Charge as well as the roles of Major General Robert E. Lee, Lt. Gen. James Longstreet, Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, and Major General George Meade are highlighted in this film. This film is rated PG, although there are battle sequences.
The Holocaust film “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” presents a child's point of view of the Holocaust and is as a valuable supplement for any study of Germany's effort to exterminate the Jews of Europe. The relationship between Bruno and Shmuel, both eight years old, demonstrates the absurdity of judgments based on blood line. The innocence of childhood is a concept which dominates the movie and supports a perspective on the Holocaust that is important for a full understanding of German atrocities during the Second World War. This film is rated PG-13 due to the mature content of the Holocaust.
Please sign the form below indicating that you have read and understood this permission slip as it explained the content and purpose of the films that I will show to the class. Also, please mark whether or not you give your child permission to view this film. If permission is not granted, your child will be given an alternate assignment to complete instead of watching the film so as not to miss out on the additional educational information being offered.
If you have any other additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me:
(708) 647 – 5489.
Thank you for your continued support,
Mrs. O’Dwyer
I have read the above information and understand the content and purpose of the film that will be shown in Mrs. O’Dwyer’s US History classes.
______
Parent / guardian signature)
______I give ______permission to view these films.
______I do not give ______permission to view these films. Please give them the alternate assignment to complete.
***Please return to Mrs. O’Dwyer by Friday, September 2 *****