Global Citizenship Lesson Plan for Robbie Blasser

Literature and Film, Unit 1 (con’t.) Black Representation in Film and

Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing

Previous lesson: Watching and filling out viewing notes for Velma Cato’s Small
Steps, Big Strides

Required Materials: Charged Devices or pen/paper for those with accommodations

Opening (3 minutes): Discussion about documentary, specifically the idea of white

comfortability with Black representation as required for progress from the 1920’s
all the way to the 1980’s

Move towards today’s lesson (2 minutes): Introduction of the “half-truth,” and how
typical Hollywood movies only focus on the advancement of race relations in
America, as opposed to the aspects that have remained throughout. (“The movie
you are about to watch came out over 30 years ago, but could come out next week
and be just as relevant.”)

Main activity (40 minutes): Open worksheet and provide thoughtful responses to
thematic background questions for watching Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing.
Submit to digital dropbox on Schoology when finished.

Transition (10 minutes): Watch Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” as a class

Reflection (20 minutes)- Read through and discuss historical references in the
movie that are still happening today. Themes to continue considering…

Close (5 minutes): Homework before we begin watching is to look over viewing

notes and essay prompts.

Assessment: Reading through of answers to response questions.