CONTENT
CONTENT
TV DOCUMENTARIES
The three television documentaries are about Danish migration to America between 1850 and 1920. During those 70 years, 350,000 Danes—about 10% of the total population at the time—immigrated to America. Poverty drove them to leave. Some were quick to find prosperity and happiness, but for most it was hard going. The Danes made their mark on America and those marks now tell the story of dreams, disappointments, and the strong determination to create a better life than the one they left behind in Denmark. Each of the three episodes lasts 28 to 30 minutes.
EDUCATIONAL SHORTS
The five educational short films are based on the TV documentaries. The films are themed and each task and activity is related to the theme. Like the documentaries, the educational shorts are about Danish emigration to America between 1850 and 1920. During those 70 years, 350,000 Danes – about 10% of the total population at the time—immigrated to America. Poverty drove them to leave. Some were quick to find prosperity and happiness, but for most it was hard going. The Danes made their mark on America and those marks now tell the story of dreams, disappointments, and the strong determination to create a better life than the one they left behind in Denmark.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE FIVE EDUCATIONAL SHORTS
All five shorts have related tasks and activities. The starting point for each is inquisitive and exploratory.
INTERACTIVE GAMES
The interactive games follow three life stories centered around the choices facing the Danish immigrants. The students becomes co-creators of the narrative and can impact the story through their own decisions. Each choice has a consequence. Will the students be able to reach the journey’s final destination?
TEACHERS GUIDE
The subject of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS and this website is Danish migration to America, a particular period in Danish history where more than 350,000 Danes chose to pursue happiness on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. In the Teachers Guide you will find suggestions on how to discuss immigration as a theme, as well as ideas on how to approach it through different didactic methods, depending on the objective of the class.
There are two sections in the Teachers Guide:
There are two sections in the Teachers Guide:
- Assignments and activities related to the five educational shorts
- Assignments and activities that complement the interactive games