We have added a new film guide to our library to help you teach with film about political corruption and civic engagement! Political corruption is an abuse of power in which public officials and political leaders use their positions of public trust and influence for private gain. An informed and educated population is essential for a thriving democracy because people can hold government officials accountable and make it harder for them to abuse their power. Government transparency and a free press are also important. Our Civic Engagement Lessons are designed to introduce students to the the mechanics of political corruption and the ways that everyday citizens can play a role in maintaining healthy democracies. These are great tools for teaching Civics, Current Events, Government, Political Science, and Social Studies.
Resources to Teach with Film about Political Corruption & Civic Engagement
Teach with Film about Political Corruption & Civic Engagement: And So It Begins — New Resource!
“How can you have election integrity
if you don’t have integrity of facts?”
Maria Ressa
And So It Begins follows key players in the 2022 Philippines presidential election from two sides of an increasingly dangerous war between press and government. Journalist Maria Ressa faces many legal charges because the government of the Philippines specifically enacts laws aimed at undermining journalistic freedoms and integrity in order to pave the way for increased political corruption. The Philippines is an important case study on the relationship between a free press and political corruption.
Our And So It Begins Learning Guide features a section on Political Corruption and Civic Engagement. It explores the actions that weaken democratic institutions and pave the way for political corruption. It also examines the power of civic engagement and the civic responsibilities of global citizens. This section includes questions for discussion, writing, or personal reflection, as well as extension activities, and additional resources.
Journalism teachers may wish to pair this section with the Journalist Profile on Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa.
Lesson Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
Subjects: Current Events, Journalism, Media Literacy
Get the And So It Begins Learning Guide.
More Resources to Teach with Film about Political Corruption & Civic Engagement:
Teach with Film about Political Corruption & Civic Engagement: Navalny
The Navalny documentary provides an intimate portrait of Russian opposition leader, democracy champion and anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny, the man most feared by Vladimir Putin. Our Navalny Learning Guide includes a section on Civic Engagement: Political Corruption, Nationalism, Leadership that explores the civic engagement responsibilities of global citizens. The Navalny film and learning guide make a powerful combination with And So It Begins.
Lesson Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
Subjects: Civics, Current Events, Political Science, Social Studies
Get the Navalny Learning Guide.
Teach with Film about Political Corruption & Civic Engagement: Civics and Civic Engagement Lesson Collection
We recommend the classroom-ready lessons in our Civics and Civic Engagement Lesson Collection to further explore issues raised in the resources listed here. Relevant subjects and themes in this collection include: Civic Engagement and Community Belonging. Community Action and Engagement, Effective Advocacy, Grassroots Work, The Strategic Use of Power, What is Power, and Working for Change.
Lesson Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
Explore the Civics and Civic Engagement Lesson Collection.
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