The Best High School Film: The Shawshank Redemption
Dissecting after viewing and/or reading The Shawshank Redemption and how it is relatable even for high schoolers.
Tara Jabbari
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:(36)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Best if you have already seen the film (which is available on Netflix) but if not, to watch it afterwards.Class Experience
When I was in high school, I took a sociology class and we watched "The Shawshank Redemption" and I immediately was drawn to it. Not only was it because it often regarded as one of the best films ever made but the stories of these convicts and how they survive prison often reminded me of surviving high school. With clips and bringing up specific parts and aspects of the film, we will have a two way dialogue on how a seemingly unrelated story can be so relevant to a teenager's daily life. These include: the importance of education, friendship, as well as the hardships such as assault and change.
Learning Goals
I studied media and films have a way to not only entertain but to help people cope. I did several papers and talks about this film and how it represents high school. This is not to be melancholy on the whole experience but rather that the story of Shawshank Redemption encompasses many things we will go through even as free people throughout our lives. I happened to notice it really resonates and the relatability factor happens when you are in high school. What can the film teach us? Ultimately, it is hope and how we can nurture our hope, goals and friendships from discussing and learning from this important story.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The film is rated R and deals with a prison whose inmates have committed crimes such as murder. There are rape scenes and violence. Our discussion opens up to rape and assault as well as hope and friendship and the importance of education.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2020
4.6
36reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
In college, I took a debate class arguing that this film is the best high school film as well as wrote a couple of academic papers on the subject. I also studied media and have dissected films and television shows and their effects on daily life. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 13 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-18 learners per class
