Films as a Pedagogical Resource: Cultivating Sociological Imagination and Critical Thinking

• In Event: 20461 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 4: Teaching with Films, Games, & Community Engagement

Abstract

Using films as a pedagogical tool offers a dynamic and interactive approach to developing students’ sociological imagination. Films, while often considered entertainment, serve as powerful tool, as being part of the ideological apparatus of society, shaping discourse and reflecting social realities. By incorporating films into the curriculum, educators can offer students a visual and engaging means of exploring complex sociological concepts such as gender, masculinity, and sexuality. These concepts, which are socially constructed, are vividly illustrated through film, making abstract ideas more tangible and accessible. Films not only provide a window into diverse social realities but also foster critical thinking and discussion. It is said that, there is more scope of learning when concepts are visualized on screens. Viewing and analyzing films through a sociological lens invites students to question and debate complex societal issues. Unlike traditional methods of teaching abstract concepts through textbooks, film allows for a more interactive and engaging classroom experience. The visual nature of films enables students to grasp complex theories more readily, facilitating deeper understanding and broader engagement with the material. This pedagogical strategy goes beyond simply transmitting knowledge; it encourages students to actively interpret, critique, and connect theories to everyday life experiences. By using film as a medium for teaching, instructors can cultivate a learning environment that is not only informative but also stimulating, fostering discussions that can lead to more nuanced understandings of social constructs. Adopting films as part of the teaching and research is especially beneficial for educators addressing multifaceted topics like gender and sexuality. This approach enables more accessible, impactful, and critical pedagogy, helping students develop their sociological imagination in a way that traditional methods may not. In sum, films offer an innovative strategy for teaching complex sociological concepts, enriching the learning experience and providing valuable insight into the social world.

Author

• Ramsha Aveen, Jamia Milla Islamia