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English 830: Teaching Composition — Finding Forrester

Finding Forrester: A Film about Writing and Education

“No thinking – that comes later. You must write your first draft with your heart. You rewrite with your head. The first key to writing is…to write, not to think!” (Sean Connery in Finding Forrester)

A picture of Jamal and Forrester talking together about writing. Forrester is leaning on a table that is covered with books and has an old fashioned lamp on it.
Jamal and Forrester talking about writing.

Required Materials and Tasks

Due 29 Wednesday: “Required” Snacking

  • If you are able to, please bring a snack to share for Finding Forrester

Class Activities

Act 1: Opening (1 hour and 15 minutes)

Part 1. On Holding a Course Event

  • We will be watching a film about writing and education since the themes of the film tie to the themes of our course
  • It also gives us a way to learn that is narrative, sensory, and highly memorable
  • Watching the film together also hopefully highlights the importance of having a shared, communal event for a course
  • There are many ways to learn, and watching this film together is an important one

Part 2. Film: Finding Forrester – Opening (1 hour)

  • We will watch the first half of the movie

Part 3. Film: Finding Forrester – Conclusion (1 hour and 16 Minutes)

  • We will watch the first half of the movie

Part 4. Information about Finding Forrester

Finding Forrester (2000)

Part 5. Full Class Discussion (20 minutes)

We will discuss the following questions about the film Finding Forrester:

  • William marks up Jamal’s writing very harshly, calling much of the writing “constipated.” Jamal responds by being both offended but also by seeking more feedback. Discuss the nature of responding seriously to student work.
  • William has Jamal copy his own words in order to find his voice: “The rhythm of typing moves us and then we find our own voice.” Discuss idea about teaching writing as it relates to our other readings.
  • William says “writers write so readers can read.” He hates critics. Jamal says, “What good is it having a filing cabinet full of writing that no one ever can read?” Discuss the relationship of writers and readers given these statements.
  • Jamal is accused of plagiarism and refuses to back down. Discuss his challenge in relation to other plagiarism issues.
  • Jamal’s brother Terrell calls William “a strange dude.” Jamal calls William his teacher. What message about teaching does the film ultimately deliver?
  • William says, “If you want to write, then write.” What message about writing does the film deliver?

Act 4: Closing (15 minutes)

Part 6. Class Wrap-up (5 minutes)

  • Dr. Pagnucci will take time to go over course assignments and answer any questions

Assignments

For July 30 Thursday: Special Personal Object

  • If possible, please bring to class a small object that is significant to you
  • If you can’t physically get the object, then, if possible, get a photograph of the object (otherwise you will have to use your memory)
  • Also, if possible, get a picture of the room in which you normally keep this object

DUE July 31: Course Requirement–Course Rationale

  • Your only other assignment for tomorrow’s final class is to work on your Course Rationale
  • We will do some poetry writing for the last class and talk about the importance of creativity for writing
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