FILM ANALYSIS: THE PIANIST

1. You could utilize functional theory in analyzing and explaining the sociological processes depicted in the movie because:

a. the film is all about economic differences between competing groups
b. No particular segment of the Polish population was stigmatized and persecuted
c. Holocaust victims were subject to processes of scapegoating
d. after World War I the German sociologist, Max Weber, predicted the probability of another, even greater, world-wide conflict

2. Perception of which of the following identity markers became the greatest problem for the film's central character, Wladyslaw Szpilman:

a. race
b. religion
c. national identity
d. occupation
e. education

3. One component of sociological theory best captures the film's perspective of the reason for, and purpose of, prejudice as depicted in the film:

a. relative deprivation
b. scapegoating
c. power differential management

4. Which of the following sociological theories best explains the deviance engaged in by
the Nazi officer who helped Szpilman survive.

a. functionalism
b. conflict theory
c. symbolic interactions

5. Within the film, which of the following is depicted as being more important to a social function and both social and individual survival:

a. race
b. religion
c. national identity
d. gender

6. As documented in social history, there were no underlying economic issues that led to the rise of national socialism (the Nazi party) in Germany after World War I.

a. True
b. False

7. The film's depiction of the utilization of ultimate power provides a powerful example of processes.

a. genocidal
b. suicidal
c. religious
d. communistic

8. The film's representations of dominance of one group over another based on perceptions of race/ethnicity/religion are applicable in understanding past and present social structure in America and in Europe.

a. True
b. False

9. There is no historical evidence suggesting that some of the Jewish population of Europe could have been saved from death in the Holocaust.

a. True
b. False

10. As is often the case with minority groups, the Jewish population of Europe was sociologically.

a. large
b. insignificant
c. marginalized
d. dysfunctional

11. In the opening sequence of the film depicting Szpilman playing the piano in a radio studio, the importance of his musical performance can be best understood using which sociological theory?

a. Conflict Theory
b. Functionalism
c. Symbolic Interactionism

12. The Nazi party use of the swastika provided a powerful connection for the German people as they sought national unity.

a. functional
b. symbolic
c. relevant
d. economic

13. The frequent display of the Nazi swastika is the only symbolic representation that identifies a specific group in the film.

a. True
b. False

15. Despite the personal danger involved, the film provides proof that the vast majority of the Polish population were willing to risk their own lives in order to protect the Polish Jewish population from genocide.

a. True
b. False

16. In Europe today, symbolic identity markers have become a topic leading to powerful, and at times violent, social interaction over their appropriate use and presence.

a. True
b. False

17. In the United States of America markers of religious identity have never played an important role in social interaction.

a. True
b. False

18. In the ongoing war in Iraq, religious symbols play no role.

a. True
b. False

19. As we enter the 21st century and become increasingly dependent on physical science to support and sustain society, there is no evidence of division of global social structure over religious identity.

a. True
b. False

20. In its history as a democracy the American government has never supported or participated in any genocidal process.

a. True
b. False

FILM ANALYSIS: THE PIANIST 1. You could utilize functional theor...