This course uses films and music to examine traditional and contemporary American values and ethical issues. Students will analyze how American values are portrayed in media and perceived by other cultures. Key values like courage, love, family, integrity, as well as issues like racism, morality, freedom of religion, altruism, and social justice will be explored. The purpose is not to teach history but to use pop culture as a lens to study society and self. Students will compare American and foreign values, trace the origins of American concepts, and discuss the impact and international views of American popular culture. Grades are based on in-class and out-of-class assignments, projects, tests, discussions and homework.

1. American Values through Film and Music Syllabus
Ms. Aquilini
Alison.Aquilini@timberlane.net
Course Description:
This course uses film and music to examine traditional and contemporary
American values and ethical issues. Students will be able to explain how
American values are represented in mass media and how they are perceived by
outside sources. Personal traits of courage, love, family and integrity, in addition
to social issues of racism, morality, freedom of religion, altruism and social justice
will be explored. Because movies and television are filled with historical
inaccuracies, the purpose of the course will not be to teach history but to use film
and popular music as a vehicle for the students to examine and analyze society
and themselves. Students may contract for accelerated credit.
Competencies:
Students will be able to compare and contrast American values and
concepts to European and Asian values and concepts.
Students will be able to explain the origins of American values and
American concepts of courage, freedom, equality, and justice.
Students will be able to explain how American values are represented in
mass media and how they are perceived by outside sources.
Students will be able to discuss American popular culture and how it is
perceived by outside sources.
Course Topics:
Origins of American values and concepts
American values VS values of others
Media impact on American life
American popular culture
Expectations:
Come to class prepared
Keep a binder for notes and handouts
Keep your cell phones off and away (zipped in your bag)
Come to class on time

2. Grading:
Grading will be done on a point system. All assignments in and out of
class will count toward your grade. You will be graded on class
assignments, homework, projects, quizzes, tests, and writing. A “rough”
breakdown of percentages is: 35% project based learning and writing,
20% in class activities, 35% class discussion and presentations, 10%
homework.
*Please refer to student handbook for the following policies: late work, cell
phones, hats, iPods, etc.