FILM 3306 Social Issues in Film
Filmmakers build upon relevant issues in contemporary society, as well as meaningful historical events in order to enlighten, inspire and entertain the audience. Whether through brutally honest portrayals of loss and suffering, or through comedic interpretations of lifes challenges, writers and directors search for opportunities to re-examine the ways in which each generation learns from or repeats the past. Film adaptations and original screenplays can prick the conscience of an audience, through the creative techniques and use of media by filmmakers. Films cover a range of social issues, including race and gender (American Violet), disabilities (Lives Worth Living) sports (The Express: The Ernie Davies Story), immigration (The Visitor), business (The Constant Gardener), politics/climate change (Dont Look Up), and extremism (Betrayed).
Course overview
- Department
- Film
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Annually
Requirements fulfilled
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.41 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.22 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | John Michalczyk | 4.3 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.7 | — | 3 of 10 |
| Summer 2025 | Susan Michalczyk | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.7 | — | 3 of 10 |
| Spring 2024 | Susan Michalczyk | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4–6 hrs/week | 17 of 17 |
| Fall 2022 | Susan Michalczyk | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4–6 hrs/week | 10 of 15 |