Description

James Cameron’s 2009 film Avatar uses science fiction and a fictional tribe of people, the Na’vi, to demonstrate reasons and methods “modern” societies attempt to and successfully colonize indigenous societies. It is 2154 and the people of Earth have depleted their natural resources. In order to thrive and advance themselves, and with the belief the Na’vi are in need of advancement, Avatar invites viewers to see the effects of colonization through the Na’vi’s perspective, as well as, the perspective of a man sent to help take their resources and change them.

This viewer’s guide offers pre-viewing, viewing, and post-viewing written discussion questions. Teachers can facilitate discussion at any time throughout the guide. The guide also invites students to work in pairs/small groups prior to the post-viewing discussion.

Interested in expanding this unit- my lesson Teaching Colonialism with Movies includes using and comparing the film Rabbit-Proof Fence.