As a recent high school graduate, under five years, and someone who had multiple problems in high school, I was amazed at the dearth of good high school films from hollywood. You gave a great list, but I think you forgot a prime example of high school problems, don't know where it fits on your list. How about Heathers?? >One film I use in a class on representations of teaching is Pump up the >Volume. It is certainly Hollywood-ish, but it also poses questions about >contemporary alienation among highschoolers and the complete lack of >interest/support/understanding that adults offer to the specific problems >they face. The ending is triumphant but not, I would say, happy. > >Fun, but bring up real problems >-Zombie High >-Fast Times at Ridgemont High >-The Class of 1999 > >More Gritty >-Teachers(1984) > >Grittier Still >-Menace II Society > > >And I think you should look at To Kill a Mockingbird and To Sir, With Love. >They're classics. And take seriously the feelings, memories, and yearnings of > young >people. If you would consider a non-American flick, try My Life As a Dog >Sounds like a good course. Good Luck. >Kal Alston >236c Education--UIUC >1310 S. 6th Street >Champaign, Il 61820 >217-333-4382 >[log in to unmask]