Beyond “Feeling Blessed”: Using International Documentary Film to Foster Global Awareness in an Online College Course

Abstract

As US colleges and universities incorporate an international requirement for undergraduate students, this study assesses the value of an online international documentary course. The effect of documentary viewing was evaluated using students’ reflective essays, noting possible shifts in perspectives on international issues after film viewing. Findings show that students gained new knowledge, displayed empathy, felt “blessed” for their privileges, and were inspired to help others. Findings also reflected an ignorance about inequitable power relationships between the United States and other countries, producing an “othering” effect. Recommendations are provided for engaging students in more critical research and reflection about local-global connections.

Students’ Responses to Literature within Multiliteracies Pedagogy

“…film). Watching a film can offer new knowledge and shift students' thoughts on the issue and the featured nation as well as gain their empathy about people and issues in various settings [16]. The film used in this paper portrayed a multicultural context, in the form of an experience of being a new kid in school through the perspective of a character named Joseph, a nine-year-old African boy.…”

Creating student-centered schools: discovering best practices in experiential, progressive public school design and exploring the effectiveness of media and community events in creating grassroots change

“…Bringing these stakeholders together was the prime aim of the action research step of this project, and findings from Cycle 2 research indicate that documentary film, particularly when paired with a tailored community event, provide an effective means for creating conversation and bringing stakeholders together. Further, live community gatherings provide opportunities for persons with varying views and backgrounds to meet and share ideas in ways that hold the potential to truly change and expand ideas and thoughts (Banchero et al, 2021;Brown, 2011;Blum & Smythe, 2021;Isaacs & Brown, 2005, 1-2).…”

“…idea supports the use of visual media, and documentaries in particular, as an effective way to engage viewers. Documentaries are increasingly cited as a means for changing audience views about a given topic (Banchero et al, 2021;Brown, 2011;Blum & Smythe, 2021). While the bulk of the extant literature analyzing the use of documentary film to create change and conversation is not specifically grounded in the field of education, reasonable, transferable inferences can be made.…”