Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2012

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

English

First Advisor

Jason McEntee

Abstract

This study explores the use of film studies in a high school English classroom in conjunction with the written text. Specifically, the study examines Erich Maria Remarque's 1929 novel All Quiet on the Western Front and its subsequent film adaptations, Lewis Milestone's 1930 black and white adaptation (in both silent and "talkie" form) and Delbert Mann's 1979 color adaptation. A central concern of the study is on the translation of Remarque's novel to the big screen and its interpretation of the text and history. Furthermore, I complicate the study by examining the historical reception of the narrative (both the novel and the films) and focusing on how these receptions helped to establish Remarque's narrative as the standard from which society based its knowledge and notion of World War I. I also place emphasis on how present day audiences (specifically students) receive the narrative in its three formats and the impact that has on their understanding of the text. This study takes a pedagogical approach to Remarque's narrative that stresses the relevant and meaningful lessons that can be applied to the larger world and society through the implementation of film studies--a concept nearly foreign in high school curriculums. It focuses on actual lessons and ideas for implementing All Quiet on the Western Front, in both novel and film format, into a high school English classroom setting, as well as the benefits students receive by looking at the novel alongside its film adaptations, rather than engaging it as as "stand alone" text. The focal point of these lessons is to teach students the importance of analyzing film, to teach them how to look critically at film, and to use that knowledge in combination with the written text to further develop their understanding of the narrative.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Remarque, Erich Maria, 1898-1970 Im Westen nichts Neues English -- Criticism and interpretation 
Remarque, Erich Maria, 1898-1970 -- Study and teaching 
Motion pictures in education 
Motion pictures -- Production and direction -- Study and teaching

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright