“Teaching with 12 Years a Slave” is an educational resource for educators interested in using film to teach the history of U.S. slavery in the high school classroom. Specific topics were chosen based on the 2018 Massachusetts State Standards for High School U.S. History I and II. Film clips of 12 Years a Slave (2013) are paired with relevant primary sources and activities to encourage further engagement and critical analysis of this history. These educational resources provide educators ways in which they can use film and media meaningfully in teaching the history and legacy of slavery in the United States.

The topics covered and the resources provided are not meant to be all-encompassing, but rather they intend to serve as preliminary tools for educators as they teach the topic of slavery. This project was developed by students in a graduate seminar course at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.