Lesson Plan: Trading Places (1983)
Subject
Business
Grade Level
11
Duration
30 Minutes
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, students will analyze the classic film "Trading Places," which explores themes of economics, social class, and financial trading. The goal is to understand the concepts of supply and demand, market behavior, and the ethical implications of wealth and poverty.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key economic concepts presented in "Trading Places."
- Understand the impact of social class on individual opportunities.
- Discuss ethical considerations in financial trading and wealth distribution.
- Analyze character dynamics and their relevance to real-world business scenarios.
Materials Needed
- Film: "Trading Places" (1983) - clips (15-20 min of selected scenes)
- Handouts: Economic terms and definitions
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector/Screen: For film clips
- Discussion Questions: Printed handouts for group discussions
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greeting students and providing a brief overview of the lesson.
- Explain the relevance of the film to business and economics.
- Introduce key themes: economics, class, ethics.
Film Screening (15 minutes)
- Watch selected clips from "Trading Places" that highlight critical moments in the film related to financial trading and social dynamics.
- Suggested scenes to focus on:
- Scene depicting the stock trading floor.
- Moments illustrating the contrasting lifestyles of the main characters.
Group Discussion (5 minutes)
- Divide students into small groups and provide them with discussion questions related to the film. Example questions:
- How does the film illustrate supply and demand?
- What role do the characters' social classes play in their experiences?
- Discuss an instance from the film that raises ethical questions about trading.
Class Discussion (5 minutes)
- Regroup as a class and allow groups to share their insights.
- Facilitate a discussion that connects the film to real-life business scenarios and ethical trading practices.
- Encourage students to think critically about how social and economic disparities affect business and individual success.
Closing (5 minutes)
- Recap the key concepts discussed in relation to the film.
- Highlight the importance of ethical behavior in business.
- Assign a reflective essay for homework: "What lessons can we learn from Trading Places about economics and ethical business practices?"
Assessment
- Participation in group and class discussions.
- Quality of insights shared during discussions.
- Homework reflective essay evaluating the economic and ethical aspects of the film.
Additional Notes
- Ensure that discussions remain respectful and focused on economic theories and ethical implications.
- Consider the diverse backgrounds of students when discussing sensitive topics related to class and wealth.
This lesson plan aligns with educational standards by encouraging critical thinking, collaboration, and an understanding of real-world business concepts.