The State of the Art Films in Instruction, 1972: A Second Look

Film instruction has been distinctly marked by three major developments that have evolved over the past decade. First of all, a film genre has emerged which is relatively free of the old pedagogical emphasis. The attributes of film form and content that were once rejected by classroom teachers now have become the legitimate raw material for film instruction. Secondly, the motion picture as an art form has become an object of study in the high school curriculum. Though film does not supplant the standard English literature courses, it has been offered as a viable option in the requirements for high school graduation. And finally, filmmaking itself has been incorporated into the curricula of both high schools and elementary schools. The implications of these developments are wide ranging. Primarily, they force higher educational functions upon the teachers and students. (MC)