Students will use issues raised in the modules as the basis of their end of semester research paper. The objective is for students to research and critically analyze the question they found most compelling among the issues raised in the semester’s films while demonstrating a command of basic writing strategies and structures.
Take the issues raised in one of our films. Gather together at least 5 additional sources on that issue (No encyclopedias, or Wikipedia please) Together those sources should give an overview of the roots of this issue/ where the issue stands now/ whether one can make a reasonable argument that the issue is moving towards resolution. Also please include an analysis of the issues standing in the way of resolution. Please note, this is a research paper as opposed to a reflective one. No first personal should be used. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of your paper. References to our films should be kept to a minimum of no more than 50 words.
Please note, the quality of the paper is going to be based on the excellence of your sources.
The paper should be from 9-12 pages in length (2500-3000 words in length).
Please note: All written work must consistently adhere to a writing style manual of the student’s choice (e.g., Chicago, Turabian, MLA, etc.). You are advised to carefully proofread all papers before submitting them. (Students with deficient writing skills should consult the university’s free tutoring services: On-Campus Learning Center: PC 24/7; Online Learning Center).
In support of Academic Integrity at Florida International University, Turnitin will be used to review the papers that you submit in this course. Turnitin is the anti-plagiarism software being used in Canvas. Turnitin does not determine whether plagiarism has taken place or not. Turnitin will also not be used as a punitive tool or measure. The instructor of this class will use the reports that Turnitin generates as a basis for the thorough evaluation of the authenticity and originality of your work and the work of your classmates.
This assignment supports the following Course Learning Objectives (CLO):
- 1. Discuss the tools of film making and describe how a director’s choices can impact a story.
- 2. Critique films from both an artistic and cultural perspective.
- 3. Examine the social, political, and historical reality of the countries from which the films come from.
- 4. Articulate how one’s suppositions about a place or a people may have little to do with the reality of that place or people.
- 5. Assess the distance between themselves and “The Other” as he/she lingers over the stories of a great many “Others.”