Lois Weber's ground breaking Where Are My Children is the focus of a film criticism video that explores not only Weber's treatment of the subject of abortion but also the techniques she developed to enhance the impact of her tale.

Concepts

film analysis, film making, film, eugenics, abortion

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Additional Tags

visual and performing arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Pause frequently to check for understanding, to permit viewers to take notes, and to ask questions
• Have groups research Lois Weber and the work of other film makers before the Hayes Code

Classroom Considerations

• The fourth episode in a playlist on film criticism
• Episodes are designed to be viewed in order
• A protocol must be in place for a safe, respectful discussion of controversial issues

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• The narrator analyzes the Weber's contradictory stance on the topic of abortion before praising her film making techniques 

Cons

• No clips are included of techniques Weber pioneered; collect examples, pause the video, and show the clips that illustrate her use of split screens, superimpositions, and synchronous sound

Common Core

SL.9-10.3 SL.11-12.3