Seeing the Big Picture: Exploring American Cultures on Film

This work uses commercial films instead of documentaries to broaden students' awareness, understanding and appreciation of the many cultures and cocultures in America. The selection of films depict cultures with insight, care and authenticity providing a tool for cross-cultural learning. The film medium allows the viewer to experience a culture second-hand, with no threat involved it can introduce the viewer to topics that might otherwise seem too controversial or sensitive. In this textbook lesson plans have been built around each film including: setting the scene, viewing the film, spotlight on culture and communication, hands-on activities and further suggested reading and viewing.