Audience
Teens, Adults
Time
3 hours
Description
Remember the Titans deals with race relations in the 1970s in Virginia, when black students were bussed into white schools. A black coach is appointed to lead a high-school football team, and he and other members of the team struggle with the prejudice and racism that threatens to ruin their chances at a successful season.
The movie is relatively safe to show to teens and with different types of audiences. There is minimal swearing and only one inappropriate scene (where Sunshine, kisses Bertier in the locker room). Sunshine is apparently trying to be provocative. It does not appear that the character is actually homosexual, and homosexuality is not glorified. Christianity is shown in both positive and negative ways. Some Christians act in prejudiced or racist ways, but others (particularly Rev and Louie) put Scripture to song to encourage the other players.
These questions are for teaching about high-performing teams.
Scriptures
These Scriptures speak to some of the themes of the movie.
o Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
o Hebrews 10:24-25
Materials
o Copy of the movie
o Equipment for showing the movie (TV, DVD player, LCD projector, Speakers, Screen…)
o Question Sheet (attached)
o Popcorn and drinks (optional)
Preparation
o Print out copies of the question sheet for each individual or group.
o Set up everything for viewing the movie. (Be sure to test it all out to make sure that the movie plays well and that the sound can be heard by everyone.)
o Prepare snacks. (optional)
Procedure
Watch the movie. Then on your own, with a mentor or with a group, answer the questions on the Question Sheet.
Question Sheet
1. What were some of the challenges that the Titans faced as their coaches tried to make them into a team at the beginning of the movie?
2. What did the coaches do that was helpful in shaping the players into a team?
3. What did the coaches do that was harmful to their goal?
4. What did the players do that was harmful to teamwork?
5. What did Julius Campbell (the leader of the black students, played by Wood Harris) mean when he told Gerry Bertier (the leader of the white students, played by Ryan Hurst) that “attitude reflects leadership?”
6. How did this feedback impact their relationship and the team?
7. What was the turning point for the team? Why do you think so?
8. What were some characteristics of the Titans when they became a high-performing team?
9. What challenges did the team face after they became a high-performing team?
10. How did they respond to these?
11. What kinds of changes do individuals need to make in order to become part of a high-performing team?
12. What do you think is the most important lesson that you can take away from this movie?
Teach Them 