Claire Fontaine
The image of teachers in film
by Tan, Ann Gaik Ang, Ph.D., Boston College, 2000, 379 pages; AAT 9961615
Abstract (Summary)
Film is one of the most influential sources of the media today though it is a relatively young industry. Some critics believe that films reflect the trends and beliefs of the society that produces them. By comparison, the teaching profession may be considered one of the oldest occupations. Teachers form one of the largest and most ubiquitous professions in this country. Yet, when the two merge, the teachers that appear on film seldom resemble any that we know.
This study contends that the teacher images that appear on the screen are reflections of stereotypes that already existed in society as a result of the way the teaching profession has developed in this country. It also contends that the stereotypes have been maintained by the nature of film itself, and that in being transposed onto film, the teacher character becomes transformed into a "hero" as defined by film.
film teachers representation media critical dissertation
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