Schindler’s List

Schindler’s List is a powerful tool for social studies classes teaching Holocaust Education and World War Two history. This Oscar-winning film is also great for teaching Film Literacy, Film Studies and English Language Arts.

Liam Neeson Presents the Schindler’s List Curriculum
Liam Neeson was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler. In this short video he makes a compelling case for teaching with Schindler’s List today and shares about his moving experiences on set.

Teaching Tip: This is a long film for classroom use. Many lessons can work as standalone resources without viewing the full film, especially our updated lesson: Antisemitism Today.

Literary connection: For a film-book pairing, teach Schindler’s List with with book it was based on, Schindler’s List (original title: Schindler’s Ark) by Thomas Keneally. Or pair it with Keneally’s account of researching and writing the book, Searching for Schindler: A Memoir.

We also offer educational resources for two additional Spielberg films: Bridge of Spies and The Post.

Film runtime: 3 hours, 15 minutes.

Film rating: R for language, sexuality, and actuality violence. Common Sense Media rates this film as appropriate for ages 15+.

Where to Watch: Watch it on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms. Or buy it on Blu-ray, DVD or 4K.

Schindler’s List Curriculum Guide

Lesson 1: Nazism in Germany and the Building of the “Racial State” (Social Studies)
Lesson 2: The Man Who Was Oskar Schindler (English, Social Studies)
Lesson 3: Resistance During the Holocaust (Social Studies)
Lesson 4: “The Righteous Gentile” (English, Social Studies)
Lesson 5: In the Spirit of Schindler (Social Studies, Speech)
Lesson 6: The Art of Steven Spielberg (Film Literacy)
Lesson 7: The Making of Schindler’s List (Film Literacy, English)
Lesson 8: Antisemitism Today [Updated: 2023] (Social Studies)

Preview Curriculum Guide

Antisemitism Today

Lesson 8: Antisemitism Today is also available as a separate download.

This updated lesson features three key sections with handouts:

1. Antisemitism Day (Response Journal),
2. An Audit of Hate Crimes in the United States, and
3. White Supremacy and Antisemitism.

These sections can be used together or separately. Additional resources on antisemitism and antiracism are included in the lesson as well.

This lesson can be used with the film, but is also designed to be a standalone lesson. If using this lesson without the film, advise students to skip the small number of questions related to the film.

Preview Antisemitism Lesson

Glossary of Film Terms

The Glossary of Film Terms is useful for the Film Literacy lessons that are part of this curriculum guide.

Preview Glossary of Film Terms

Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines

In this guide, you will find suggestions for leading productive conversations that broaden perspectives, encourage empathy, and build new paradigms for education. It is adaptable, flexible and useful for a variety of learning settings. We recommend pairing it with this film to create safe space for classroom engagement around these themes and subjects.

Preview Facilitation Guide

How to download your free resources

Related Resources

Webinar: Learn more about teaching Anti-Bias Education with films like Schindler’s List in our free PD Webinar: Using Media to Foster Critical Thinking and Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Schindler’s List swept the 1994 Academy Awards. Learn more about teaching with Oscar-winning films.

Teaching about Genocide? Get more lessons in our Genocide Education Resources,

Teaching about the Holocaust? Check out our comprehensive toolkit at Share My Lesson on Teaching Holocaust Education with Film,

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