Arranged: Diving Deeper - Discussion Guide

As we discuss the documentary "Arranged," use this guide to jot down your thoughts, reflections, and any key points that stand out to you. Feel free to add questions you might have!

Discussion Questions:

1. Starting the Conversation

What was your initial reaction to the concept of arranged marriage as presented in the documentary?

2. Culture vs. Choice

How do the protagonists navigate their personal desires alongside their cultural and family expectations? Can you recall specific examples from the film?

3. Challenging Stereotypes

Before watching, what stereotypes or assumptions did you have about arranged marriages? Did the documentary challenge or confirm these views? How?

4. Love and Partnership

How is the idea of "love" portrayed in the context of arranged marriages in the film? Do you think love is a necessary foundation from the start?

5. Key Takeaways

What is one significant lesson or new perspective you gained from watching "Arranged"? How might these themes resonate in your own life or community?

Cool Down: Reflection on 'Arranged'

Take a few minutes to silently reflect on our discussion today about the documentary 'Arranged'. Please answer the following prompt:

What is one new perspective you gained or one question you still have after our discussion about the documentary 'Arranged'?

Arranged: Discussion & Discovery - Teacher Script

Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Arranged Discussion Points - Slide 1)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're diving into a really thought-provoking topic based on the documentary called 'Arranged'. It's a film that explores the lives of young women navigating traditions, family expectations, and personal choices in the context of arranged marriages. It's a powerful look at culture and connection."

"Before we jump into our discussion, let's quickly activate our brains. For those who have seen the documentary, what was one thing that truly stood out to you? It could be a character, a scene, or a particular idea. And for those who haven't seen it, what are your initial thoughts or perhaps any questions you have about the concept of 'arranged marriage' in general? Just a brief thought or two."

(Allow 2-3 students to share briefly)

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Arranged Discussion Points - Slide 2)

"Our goal today, as you can see on the slide, is to analyze and discuss the key themes, cultural perspectives, and character choices presented in the documentary. By the end of our session, I hope we've all developed a bit more empathy and honed our critical thinking skills regarding these complex issues."

Guided Discussion (20 minutes)

(Teacher says)

"Now, let's move into our guided discussion. I've prepared a Discussion Guide: Arranged - Diving Deeper for each of you. This guide has the same questions we'll be discussing on the slides, and you can use the space provided to jot down any notes, thoughts, or reflections as we talk. This is for your personal use, but it can help you organize your ideas."

(Distribute the discussion guide. Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Arranged Discussion Points - Slide 3)

"Let's start with this: What was your initial reaction to the concept of arranged marriage as it was presented in the documentary? Did it align with what you expected, or did anything surprise you?"

(Facilitate discussion, encouraging different students to speak.)

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Arranged Discussion Points - Slide 4)

"Moving on, this is a core theme in the film: How do the protagonists navigate their personal desires alongside their cultural and family expectations? Can you recall specific examples from the film where they faced a difficult balance or made a significant choice based on these pressures?"

(Encourage students to reference specific scenes or character actions. Guide them to consider the internal and external conflicts.)

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Arranged Discussion Points - Slide 5)

"Let's talk about perceptions. Before watching the documentary, what stereotypes or assumptions did you have about arranged marriages? And critically, did the documentary challenge or confirm those views for you? How did it do that?"

(Probe deeper. Ask students if the film presented a nuanced view that they hadn't considered before.)

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Arranged Discussion Points - Slide 6)

"Now, let's shift to the idea of love. How is the concept of 'love' portrayed in the context of arranged marriages in the film? And, from your perspective, do you think love is a necessary foundation for a marriage to begin, or can it grow over time as the film suggests for some characters?"

(Encourage a thoughtful discussion about different forms of love and partnership.)

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Arranged Discussion Points - Slide 7)

"Finally, let's reflect on the bigger picture. What is one significant lesson or new perspective you gained from watching 'Arranged' and participating in this discussion today? How might these themes of cultural identity, choice, and family resonate in your own life or community?"

(Allow a few students to share their overarching takeaways.)

Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 minutes)

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Arranged Discussion Points - Slide 8)

"Excellent discussion, everyone. Your insights were really valuable. To wrap things up, I'd like you to take out your Cool Down: Reflection on 'Arranged'."

"On this cool-down, I want you to silently reflect for a moment and answer the prompt: What is one new perspective you gained or one question you still have after our discussion about the documentary 'Arranged'?"

(Allow students 3-4 minutes to write. Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket.)

"Thank you all for your thoughtful participation today. Have a great rest of your day!"