Schindler's List (1993) Movie Viewing Guide: Summary/Vocabulary/Questions w/KEY

Using "Schindler's List" (1993) in a high school classroom history class can serve multiple educational purposes and provide students with valuable insights into the Holocaust and World War II. Here's a rationale for using this film:

Historical Accuracy: "Schindler's List" is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. While the film takes some artistic liberties for storytelling purposes, it remains largely faithful to historical events and provides students with a realistic portrayal of the Holocaust.

Primary Source: While not a primary source itself, "Schindler's List" can be used as a secondary source to introduce students to primary sources related to the Holocaust. It can serve as a starting point for discussions and activities that involve analyzing historical documents, survivor testimonies, and other primary sources from the Holocaust era.

Humanizing History: The film humanizes the victims of the Holocaust by depicting their experiences, struggles, and acts of resilience. By focusing on individual stories within the larger historical context, "Schindler's List" helps students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the human impact of genocide and persecution.

Ethical Considerations: "Schindler's List" raises important ethical questions and moral dilemmas that are relevant for classroom discussions. Students can explore topics such as moral courage, bystander behavior, resistance, and the responsibilities of individuals in times of crisis.

Holocaust Education: As part of Holocaust education, "Schindler's List" can complement other instructional materials, such as textbooks, primary sources, and survivor testimonies. It provides students with a visual and emotional understanding of the Holocaust that goes beyond traditional classroom resources.

Critical Thinking: Watching and analyzing "Schindler's List" encourages critical thinking skills as students evaluate the film's portrayal of historical events, characters, and themes. They can examine the film's accuracy, interpretations, and artistic choices while considering different perspectives on the Holocaust.

Relevance to Contemporary Issues: "Schindler's List" prompts discussions about contemporary issues related to prejudice, discrimination, and human rights. Students can draw parallels between historical events depicted in the film and current events, fostering discussions about intolerance and the importance of standing up against injustice.

Cinematic Techniques: Beyond its historical content, "Schindler's List" offers opportunities for studying filmmaking techniques, cinematography, and storytelling methods. Students can analyze directorial choices, narrative structure, symbolism, and the use of black-and-white cinematography to convey themes and emotions.

Overall, "Schindler's List" is a powerful educational tool that can engage students emotionally and intellectually, deepen their understanding of the Holocaust and World War II, and foster empathy, critical thinking, and ethical reflection.

Schindler's List (1993)

Movie Viewing Guide INCLUDES: Summary/Vocabulary/Questions with KEY