By June Peers

Among the many artistic pursuits one can take in their course selections at Granada Hills Charter (GHC), History Through Film is definitely one to consider. The class, taught by Mr. Kim, is offered to juniors in the New Media Academy (previously known as Humanitas). The academy itself is an exclusive liberal arts program that approaches learning creatively. With only 50 students in each grade-level cohort, this allows for a hands-on learning experience.

The film history course plays an essential role in encouraging students to think critically.
Throughout the year, History Through Film follows the same curriculum as a typical American History course but uses film as a visual aid to highlight significant historical events.

Most notably, students watched Iron Jawed Angels (2004), a biography following the lives of suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. This experience allowed students to view the fight for the 19th Amendment through a unique and informative lens. Students also watched biographies of notable historical figures, including Lincoln (2012).

“The usage of films alongside conventional teaching helps me learn history, or at least the parts of it we see on film, and not just a jumble of facts and dates,” junior and History Through Film student said.

The New Media Academy prides itself on its emphasis on interactive learning as demonstrated by its vast amount of field trips. During the fall semester, students visited Little Tokyo where they explored the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) to gain insight into Japanese internment during World War II. In April, the Academy plans to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

“We hope to give students the experience of seeing artwork first-hand in a gallery in a variety of movements and periods,” New Media English teacher Ms. Bryan said. “We hope this will inspire their art as well as their critical thinking.”

As a whole, these field trips are meant to serve as inspiration for the New Media final project, which promotes the cohesion between History Through Film, American Images, and English. The project requires students to review the knowledge they have gained from each of these courses and create an art portfolio centered around the theme of the “American Dream.”

In past years, students have created propaganda posters, written poems, and even interviewed their older family members to highlight the immigrant experience. Piecing these components together, students will then create a website where they will compile these artworks into an intricate collage.

Overall, the New Media Academy provides students with an artistic outlet to demonstrate their learning. History of Film is just one example of how through using a unique approach to education, many students can benefit from this experience.

“What I love most about teaching this course, truly comes from the students I have in this cohort,” Kim said. “They bring excellent energy and participation which makes my job that much more enjoyable.”

If you are interested in learning more about the program and/or History Through Film class, contact guidance counselor Ms. Woodburn.