Beyond “Feeling Blessed”: Using International Documentary Film to Foster Global Awareness in an Online College Course

Authors

  • Denise Blum Oklahoma State University
  • Jon L. Smythe Oklahoma State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v23i2.2659

Keywords:

global awareness, documentary film, online learning, international education, higher education

Abstract

As US colleges and universities incorporate an international requirement for undergraduate students, this study assesses the value of an online international documentary course. The effect of documentary viewing was evaluated using students’ reflective essays, noting possible shifts in perspectives on international issues after film viewing. Findings show that students gained new knowledge, displayed empathy, felt “blessed” for their privileges, and were inspired to help others. Findings also reflected an ignorance about inequitable power relationships between the United States and other countries, producing an “othering” effect. Recommendations are provided for engaging students in more critical research and reflection about local-global connections.  

   

Author Biographies

Denise Blum, Oklahoma State University

Associate Professor in Social Foundations in the College of Education and affiliate faculty in the School of Global Studies and Partnerships at Oklahoma State University.

Jon L. Smythe, Oklahoma State University

Assistant Professor, Curriculum Studies

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Published

2021-08-30

How to Cite

Blum, D., & Smythe, J. L. (2021). Beyond “Feeling Blessed”: Using International Documentary Film to Foster Global Awareness in an Online College Course. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 23(2), 107–126. https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v23i2.2659

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 2 (2021): Open Theme Issue

Section

Articles (Peer-reviewed)

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