How Film is Part of Teaching in the Master's in Management
By watching and experiencing films, rather than just reading about them, students are encouraged to reflect and develop curiosity in the Master's programme in Management at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. Film is incorporated into the curriculum and sparks discussions beyond the traditional classroom setting.
The purpose of using films in education is to connect learning with emotions and experiences, not just intellectual knowledge. The ability to see things from new perspectives, feel empathy, be creative, and find an inner compass – all of which can be awakened and developed through film. This is how Niklas Egels Zandén, Programme Director of the Master's in Management at the University of Gothenburg, explains it.
– Think about how many films you can remember in detail compared to written texts, he says.
Last year, students participated in a "Fish Bowl" discussion after watching the film Birds of Passage, which portrays a dramatic period in Colombia's history. A smaller group in the inner circle discusses the film while the outer group listens. The outer group can also switch places and join the conversation. This exercise encourages engagement and reflection.
– Ideally, we want films to challenge the students, like Birds of Passage, which deals with the rise of the drug trade in Colombia. The film resembles a classic blockbuster, but it has a structure that surprises students who are used to American films, says Niklas Egels Zandén.
The films used in the programme are selected with the help of film experts from the programme's partner, the Göteborg Film Festival. The instructors identify key themes to explore in class and receive suggestions for films that contribute in an interesting way. Students can watch the films at home via the streaming service Draken Film, but also in cinemas.
– We encourage students to watch films in groups, and then we discuss them in class. During the film festival week, we also go together to watch films at the cinema. Watching films and attending the cinema together builds community among the students, which is important for the cohesion in the class, says Niklas Egels Zandén.
Students describe the activities in the programme as both rewarding and educational. How do you feel when initiatives are appreciated in this way?
– It has been one of the most rewarding and joyful experiences of my entire teaching career. Film and art open doors to deeper conversations. I get to meet the students in a different way and see more of them as individuals, says Niklas Egels Zandén.
For the Master's programme in Management, the partnership with the Göteborg Film Festival is crucial to effectively incorporate film into education. In addition to access to the streaming service and tickets to the film festival, Niklas Egels Zandén highlights the support the programme receives.
– We receive fantastic film expertise. For example, we can tell them we want films that address ethical dilemmas, resistance to change, or how organizations make decisions, and they provide us with a list of films that address these areas in a unique way, he says.
Partners Enhancing the Experience
The programme also has a number of other corporate partners who contribute to an exciting and stimulating education in various ways, not least by helping with specific activities.
– For example, we get assistance from Icebug in our work on personal development through Inner Development Goals, and Accenture runs a three-day case with our students, says Niklas Egels Zandén.
There are also corporate partners who help with the visual aspects and offer interesting visits.
– Our corporate partners, including Lindex, SKF, AP2, Framtiden, Getinge, and Volvo, help us shape our programme and regularly participate as guest speakers, says Niklas Egels Zandén.
Art and Culture in Education
Collaborations also contribute to integrating art and culture into education, including through performing arts, music, and photography.
– We are very proud of our partnerships with, for example, Hasselblad Center, Röda Sten Art Hall, the Gothenburg Symphony, and the Göteborg Opera, says Niklas Egels Zandén.
A museum in Gothenburg is another partner of the Master's programme in Management.
– We have, for example, developed an initiative for our students in collaboration with the Gothenburg City Museum and will soon launch similar partnerships with other museums in Gothenburg, says Niklas Egels Zandén.
Text & Video: Simon Fredling Jack, communicator
