In the Star Trek universe today in the year 2063, the first humans meet and extraterrestrial race after learning how to travel faster than the speed of light. This can be an amazing story for your classroom and I highly recommend it for teachers looking to create a new way to discuss the intrusion of technology in our private lives. Read my movie review to learn more.

Exploring Humanity’s First Contact: A Movie Review for High School Literature and Social Studies Teachers

Introduction:
As educators, we often seek innovative ways to engage our students in exploring complex themes and concepts. Movies offer a powerful medium for sparking discussions and deepening understanding. In this review, we delve into “Star Trek: First Contact,” a film that not only captivates with its thrilling sci-fi narrative but also prompts reflection on themes pertinent to literature and social studies curricula.

Synopsis:
“Star Trek: First Contact” takes the audience on a journey to the 24th century, where humanity faces its first encounter with the Borg, cybernetic beings assimilating civilizations into their collective consciousness. Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the starship Enterprise must prevent the Borg from altering Earth’s history by ensuring the success of humanity’s first warp flight, led by Zefram Cochrane.

Themes:

1. Exploration and Discovery: Parallel to the themes in “Heart of Darkness,” the film explores humanity’s primal urge for exploration and the consequences of venturing into the unknown.
2. Technology and Humanity: Echoing “She” by H. Rider Haggard, “First Contact” delves into the intersection of technology and humanity, raising questions about identity, morality, and progress.
3. Resistance and Assimilation: The Borg represent a threat to individuality and freedom, prompting discussions on resistance movements and the preservation of cultural identity.

Classroom Activities:

1. Comparative Analysis: Encourage students to compare and contrast the themes, characters, and motifs of “Star Trek: First Contact” with excerpts from “Heart of Darkness” and “She.” Prompt discussions on imperialism, colonialism, and the human psyche.
2. Historical Context: Explore the historical events and societal shifts that influenced the development of the themes portrayed in the film. Discuss the significance of the space race, technological advancements, and globalization.
3. Creative Writing: Task students with crafting alternate endings for the film, exploring the consequences of different choices made by the characters. Emphasize critical thinking and narrative development.
4. Debates and Discussions: Organize debates on ethical dilemmas presented in the film, such as the Prime Directive, cultural relativism, and the nature of progress. Encourage students to support their arguments with evidence from the film and supplementary readings.

Suggested Readings:

1. “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad: Analyze Conrad’s exploration of colonialism and human nature, drawing parallels to the themes of exploration and imperialism in “Star Trek: First Contact.”
2. “She” by H. Rider Haggard: Examine Haggard’s portrayal of immortality and the quest for knowledge, reflecting on the consequences of technological advancement and the pursuit of utopia.
3. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley: Explore Huxley’s dystopian vision of a society controlled by technology and conformity, drawing connections to the assimilation narrative of the Borg.
4. “1984” by George Orwell: Discuss Orwell’s warning about totalitarianism and surveillance, considering parallels with the Borg’s collective consciousness and control.

Additional Resources:

1. NASA Website: Explore articles and videos on space exploration, providing historical context and scientific insights into humanity’s quest for the stars.
2. TED Talks: Curate TED Talks on topics such as artificial intelligence, ethics in technology, and the future of humanity, stimulating discussions on the implications of technological advancement.
3. Khan Academy: Utilize interactive lessons on colonialism, imperialism, and globalization to deepen students’ understanding of historical and sociopolitical contexts. (Don’t worry this is the good Khan and not the murderous genocidal dictator from Earth’s 21st century)

Conclusion:
“Star Trek: First Contact” serves as a springboard for interdisciplinary exploration, inviting students to ponder timeless questions about humanity’s past, present, and future. By integrating the film into literature and social studies curricula, educators can inspire critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of wonder in their students, preparing them to boldly confront the challenges of tomorrow.

Live long and prosper.

To see other movie and book recommendations and a list of resources, read more here.