Research Papers are due Monday 04 August at 9:30 am.
Evaluation: Ascertains the value, both of kind and degree, of the subject.
Argument: Takes and defends a position.
Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to ARGUE the VALUE of a particular film. We will choose from films based on acclaimed works of literature. If we had more time this semester, you would also be required to read the book. While you will not be asked to address the book in this particular paper, you should make every effort to read it in order to strengthen your background knowledge of the story.
Everyone knows "Ebert and Roeper"-- they were famous film reviewers who had a weekly television show, wrote weekly reviews, and whose opinions are always cited on the back of DVD boxes and quoted in movie write-ups. The type of review that these guys and other famous film reviewers, and less famous film bloggers, write are pure, relatively informal, opinion pieces. Your review will different a bit in that it will contain a more formal structure since you are writing it for academic purposes. In addition, your review will contain a level of research in order to meet the criteria of this course. Because of this, your review will be slightly longer than the types of review columns most often run in newspapers and magazines.
Specifics: Your paper will be in MLA format and contain a header, centered title, 1 inch margins, 12 point font, a Works Cited page, and internal citations. You must find 3 film reviews (these can be found via www.imdb.com, click on "external reviews", but you must choose ones written by well-known critics who publish in well-known newspapers or magazines with wide distribution). You must also find 3 articles on the issue or theme presented in the book/film; you do this by searching the academic databases available to you on the library page. You may also use quotes or examples from the film. Your Works Cited sheet should contain at least 7 sources: 3 film reviews, 3 on the theme(s) or issue(s) being portrayed, and the movie itself. You MUST use Academic Search Premier or some other library database in order to find some of your articles; you may also use books that contain analysis of your subject if they are available.
Each body paragraph should include a minimum of 3 short quotes that are cited in correct MLA format. Please use your grammar handbook and the online MLA guidebook (link available on the website). The quotes MUST be worked into your own sentences and flow as part of your commentary; they must not be left "hanging". Follow this model: Introduce the quote, state the quote, explain/analyze the quote, in that order, all in the same sentence. You must balance your own ideas with quotes-- you use your sources to back up your ideas. Therefore, quotes/citations should not make up the bulk of your paper.
The paper should be 4-5 pages (3 full-4 full pages of text + a separate Works Cited page) in length and contain the following information:
Your paper must include the following information: Introduction with THESIS; Background; Issue; Acting; Mise En Scene; Theme(s)/Issue(s).
**Make sure you write in the PRESENT tense.
An Introduction that introduces the film, director, actors, etc.; the plot- a synopsis usually can be accomplished in 2-3 sentences; accolades and awards/general reception of the film by audiences and critics; a clearly stated thesis statement that expresses its value.
**Make sure that you begin each body paragraph with a clear TOPIC STATEMENT that directs the overall idea of the paragraph.
The following information can be organized as you see fit-- just make sure your paper flows in a logical way from one topic to the next.
Background on the issue(s)/theme(s): In order to properly examine the value of the film, you must have a good understanding of what the story seeks to accomplish. What is the film about? What lesson(s) or idea(s) are being projected to is audience? State, define, and examine the issue then explain how the film presents it. If there are controversial aspects to the film/story/issue being presented, discuss that here. This part of the paper may be more than one paragraph in length.
Filmmakers/Actors/etc.: You will want to give an overview of the people involved in the film and examine their value. In other words, did the actors do their parts justice? Did the cinematographer add value to the film? The musical score? How about the director? You may have a paragraph on acting alone and then another on other contributors to the film. This part of the paper may address everything from setting, set design, costume, music, etc. This part of the paper should be more than one paragraph.
Mise En Scene: You will want to evaluate other aspects of the movie that stand out. Mise en scene is: The arrangement of everything that appears in the framing – actors, lighting, décor, props, costume – is called mise-en-scène, a French term that means “placing on stage.” The frame and camerawork also constitute the mise-en-scène of a movie.
Conclusion:
This paragraph not only summarizes your main points and substantiates your thesis, it also is a call to action to audiences. What is the social commentary provided by this director/the original author of the story being presented by the director? What message are they sending to society? What should society do with that message? If it is a serious issue, what can we do to address this issue? What should we learn from this "book on film"? Finally, do you recommend the film? Is it a successful adaptation-- not necessarily literal, just successful? Make sure you define how you define success.
TOPICS-- you will work in groups of 3. Each student will write their own film review and work in collaboration with their partners on the presentation.
**Only 8 of the 9 topics will be used.
The Basketball Diaries, book by Jim Carroll [Issue: Drug Abuse]
Mysterious Skin, book by Scott Heim [Issue: Child Molestation]
Into the Wild, book by Jon Krakauer [Issues: Extreme Adventure, Consumerism]
Fight Club, book by Chuck Palahunik [Issues: Commercialism, Gender Roles, Patriarchy, Consumerism]
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, book by Stephen Chbosky [Issue: Suicide/Depression]
We Need to Talk About Kevin, book by Lionel Shriver [Issue: School Massacre/Nature vs. Nurture]
Never Let Me Go, book by Kazuo Ishiguro. [Issue: Human Scientific Experimentation/Ethics]
Cruel Intentions based on the novel "Dangerous Liaisons" by de LaClos [Issues: Narcissism, Rich Entitlement]
Carrie, book by Stephen King [Issue: School Bullying/Revenge]
3 types of citations that will likely appear in your essay and are expected to be cited correctly:
1. Film Review:
Ebert, Roger. "An Inconvenient Truth." Rev. of An Inconvenient Truth, dir.
Davis Guggenheim. Rogerebert.com. Sun-Times News Group, 2 June
2006. Web. 24 May 2009.
2. Interview:
Zinkievich, Craig. Interview by Gareth Von Kallenbach. Skewed & Reviewed.
Skewed & Reviewed, 2009. Web. 15 Mar. 2009.
3. A Journal:
Milken, Michael, Gary Becker, Myron Scholes, and Daniel Kahneman. "On
Global Warming and Financial Imbalances." New Perspectives Quarterly.
23.4 (2006): 63. Ebscohost. Web. 04 March 2013.
4. A Journal not accessed through the databases with no print info.:
Rockoff, Jonathan D. "Nature vs. Nurture: New Science Stirs Debate." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 03
Aug. 2014.
For other formats, check your handout, your textbook, or Purdue Owl.
Example article: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ulterior-motives/201401/rich-entitled-and-narcissistic
Evaluation: Ascertains the value, both of kind and degree, of the subject.
Argument: Takes and defends a position.
Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to ARGUE the VALUE of a particular film. We will choose from films based on acclaimed works of literature. If we had more time this semester, you would also be required to read the book. While you will not be asked to address the book in this particular paper, you should make every effort to read it in order to strengthen your background knowledge of the story.
Everyone knows "Ebert and Roeper"-- they were famous film reviewers who had a weekly television show, wrote weekly reviews, and whose opinions are always cited on the back of DVD boxes and quoted in movie write-ups. The type of review that these guys and other famous film reviewers, and less famous film bloggers, write are pure, relatively informal, opinion pieces. Your review will different a bit in that it will contain a more formal structure since you are writing it for academic purposes. In addition, your review will contain a level of research in order to meet the criteria of this course. Because of this, your review will be slightly longer than the types of review columns most often run in newspapers and magazines.
Specifics: Your paper will be in MLA format and contain a header, centered title, 1 inch margins, 12 point font, a Works Cited page, and internal citations. You must find 3 film reviews (these can be found via www.imdb.com, click on "external reviews", but you must choose ones written by well-known critics who publish in well-known newspapers or magazines with wide distribution). You must also find 3 articles on the issue or theme presented in the book/film; you do this by searching the academic databases available to you on the library page. You may also use quotes or examples from the film. Your Works Cited sheet should contain at least 7 sources: 3 film reviews, 3 on the theme(s) or issue(s) being portrayed, and the movie itself. You MUST use Academic Search Premier or some other library database in order to find some of your articles; you may also use books that contain analysis of your subject if they are available.
Each body paragraph should include a minimum of 3 short quotes that are cited in correct MLA format. Please use your grammar handbook and the online MLA guidebook (link available on the website). The quotes MUST be worked into your own sentences and flow as part of your commentary; they must not be left "hanging". Follow this model: Introduce the quote, state the quote, explain/analyze the quote, in that order, all in the same sentence. You must balance your own ideas with quotes-- you use your sources to back up your ideas. Therefore, quotes/citations should not make up the bulk of your paper.
The paper should be 4-5 pages (3 full-4 full pages of text + a separate Works Cited page) in length and contain the following information:
Your paper must include the following information: Introduction with THESIS; Background; Issue; Acting; Mise En Scene; Theme(s)/Issue(s).
**Make sure you write in the PRESENT tense.
An Introduction that introduces the film, director, actors, etc.; the plot- a synopsis usually can be accomplished in 2-3 sentences; accolades and awards/general reception of the film by audiences and critics; a clearly stated thesis statement that expresses its value.
**Make sure that you begin each body paragraph with a clear TOPIC STATEMENT that directs the overall idea of the paragraph.
The following information can be organized as you see fit-- just make sure your paper flows in a logical way from one topic to the next.
Background on the issue(s)/theme(s): In order to properly examine the value of the film, you must have a good understanding of what the story seeks to accomplish. What is the film about? What lesson(s) or idea(s) are being projected to is audience? State, define, and examine the issue then explain how the film presents it. If there are controversial aspects to the film/story/issue being presented, discuss that here. This part of the paper may be more than one paragraph in length.
Filmmakers/Actors/etc.: You will want to give an overview of the people involved in the film and examine their value. In other words, did the actors do their parts justice? Did the cinematographer add value to the film? The musical score? How about the director? You may have a paragraph on acting alone and then another on other contributors to the film. This part of the paper may address everything from setting, set design, costume, music, etc. This part of the paper should be more than one paragraph.
Mise En Scene: You will want to evaluate other aspects of the movie that stand out. Mise en scene is: The arrangement of everything that appears in the framing – actors, lighting, décor, props, costume – is called mise-en-scène, a French term that means “placing on stage.” The frame and camerawork also constitute the mise-en-scène of a movie.
Conclusion:
This paragraph not only summarizes your main points and substantiates your thesis, it also is a call to action to audiences. What is the social commentary provided by this director/the original author of the story being presented by the director? What message are they sending to society? What should society do with that message? If it is a serious issue, what can we do to address this issue? What should we learn from this "book on film"? Finally, do you recommend the film? Is it a successful adaptation-- not necessarily literal, just successful? Make sure you define how you define success.
TOPICS-- you will work in groups of 3. Each student will write their own film review and work in collaboration with their partners on the presentation.
**Only 8 of the 9 topics will be used.
The Basketball Diaries, book by Jim Carroll [Issue: Drug Abuse]
Mysterious Skin, book by Scott Heim [Issue: Child Molestation]
Into the Wild, book by Jon Krakauer [Issues: Extreme Adventure, Consumerism]
Fight Club, book by Chuck Palahunik [Issues: Commercialism, Gender Roles, Patriarchy, Consumerism]
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, book by Stephen Chbosky [Issue: Suicide/Depression]
We Need to Talk About Kevin, book by Lionel Shriver [Issue: School Massacre/Nature vs. Nurture]
Never Let Me Go, book by Kazuo Ishiguro. [Issue: Human Scientific Experimentation/Ethics]
Cruel Intentions based on the novel "Dangerous Liaisons" by de LaClos [Issues: Narcissism, Rich Entitlement]
Carrie, book by Stephen King [Issue: School Bullying/Revenge]
3 types of citations that will likely appear in your essay and are expected to be cited correctly:
1. Film Review:
Ebert, Roger. "An Inconvenient Truth." Rev. of An Inconvenient Truth, dir.
Davis Guggenheim. Rogerebert.com. Sun-Times News Group, 2 June
2006. Web. 24 May 2009.
2. Interview:
Zinkievich, Craig. Interview by Gareth Von Kallenbach. Skewed & Reviewed.
Skewed & Reviewed, 2009. Web. 15 Mar. 2009.
3. A Journal:
Milken, Michael, Gary Becker, Myron Scholes, and Daniel Kahneman. "On
Global Warming and Financial Imbalances." New Perspectives Quarterly.
23.4 (2006): 63. Ebscohost. Web. 04 March 2013.
4. A Journal not accessed through the databases with no print info.:
Rockoff, Jonathan D. "Nature vs. Nurture: New Science Stirs Debate." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 03
Aug. 2014.
For other formats, check your handout, your textbook, or Purdue Owl.
Example article: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ulterior-motives/201401/rich-entitled-and-narcissistic
Film Review (Final Research Paper) Presentation Guidelines
You will work with your partner(s) to give a 30 minute "lesson" (presentation) on your chosen film. Your presentation/lesson should include:
1. A Visual Component (Art Project, Power Point, Prezi, Movie Mix, etc.) Will be evaluated for quality! 50 Points
2. Props (at least 3 tangible items that can be displayed; each item must represent/symbolize some aspect of the story) 15 Points
3. A Handout (1 copy for each person in the class; must contain vital information on the film, quotes from the film, info. on the subject of the film, awards/accomplishments of the film; quotes from film reviews). This should be one page or in pamphlet form. 15 Points
** You will also play the trailer and a 3 minute clip from the film.
You may work together in a group -- or split up the tasks-- but each group member must contribute to the planning/preparation of the presentation in order to receive credit. However, if any group member is NOT pulling their weight, the other member(s) of the group are still responsible for completion of ALL aspects of the presentation.
Your presentation should incorporate the following information: 2 Points Each = 20 Points
-Background information on the book for which the film was adapted.
-Summary of awards/accomplishments of the film.
-Synopsis of the critics' perception and audiences' perception of the film.
-Information on the main issue(s) tackled by the story.
-Interesting symbols, visual aspects, directing choices, acting choices, soundtrack, etc. in the film.
-Overview of important quotes (and/or scenes) from the book or film and about the film (from reviews).
-Controversy surrounding the story/subject/film.
-What you learned from studying this particular film.
-What lesson(s) society should take from being exposed to this particular story.
-Enthusiasm and Clarity are expected.
--Organize your time wisely! 30 minutes seems like a lot of time, but it flies by. Prepare for this presentation-- make sure your time is organized and that your presentation flows. You should have no silent gaps during your time in front of the class.
*Your discussion should last approximately 20 minutes, no less than 15.
*Your film trailer/clip should last 3-5 minutes total.
*You should leave approximately 7-10 minutes for Q&A from your "audience".
Presentations will take place 04 & 05 August and are worth 100 points.
You will work with your partner(s) to give a 30 minute "lesson" (presentation) on your chosen film. Your presentation/lesson should include:
1. A Visual Component (Art Project, Power Point, Prezi, Movie Mix, etc.) Will be evaluated for quality! 50 Points
2. Props (at least 3 tangible items that can be displayed; each item must represent/symbolize some aspect of the story) 15 Points
3. A Handout (1 copy for each person in the class; must contain vital information on the film, quotes from the film, info. on the subject of the film, awards/accomplishments of the film; quotes from film reviews). This should be one page or in pamphlet form. 15 Points
** You will also play the trailer and a 3 minute clip from the film.
You may work together in a group -- or split up the tasks-- but each group member must contribute to the planning/preparation of the presentation in order to receive credit. However, if any group member is NOT pulling their weight, the other member(s) of the group are still responsible for completion of ALL aspects of the presentation.
Your presentation should incorporate the following information: 2 Points Each = 20 Points
-Background information on the book for which the film was adapted.
-Summary of awards/accomplishments of the film.
-Synopsis of the critics' perception and audiences' perception of the film.
-Information on the main issue(s) tackled by the story.
-Interesting symbols, visual aspects, directing choices, acting choices, soundtrack, etc. in the film.
-Overview of important quotes (and/or scenes) from the book or film and about the film (from reviews).
-Controversy surrounding the story/subject/film.
-What you learned from studying this particular film.
-What lesson(s) society should take from being exposed to this particular story.
-Enthusiasm and Clarity are expected.
--Organize your time wisely! 30 minutes seems like a lot of time, but it flies by. Prepare for this presentation-- make sure your time is organized and that your presentation flows. You should have no silent gaps during your time in front of the class.
*Your discussion should last approximately 20 minutes, no less than 15.
*Your film trailer/clip should last 3-5 minutes total.
*You should leave approximately 7-10 minutes for Q&A from your "audience".
Presentations will take place 04 & 05 August and are worth 100 points.
Presentation Schedule:
Into the Wild, book by Jon Krakauer [Issues: Extreme Adventure, Consumerism] M 10:00-10:30 Mysterious Skin, book by Scott Heim [Issue: Child Molestation] M 10:30-11:00
The Basketball Diaries, book by Jim Carroll [Issue: Drug Abuse] M 11-11:30 The Perks of Being a Wallflower, book by Stephen Chbosky [Issue: Suicide/Depression] T 9:30-10
We Need to Talk About Kevin, book by Lionel Shriver [Issue: School Massacre/Nature vs. Nurture] T 10-10:30
Never Let Me Go, book by Kazuo Ishiguro. [Issue: Human Scientific Experimentation/Ethics] T 10:30-11
Carrie, book by Stephen King [Issue: School Bullying/Revenge] T 11-11:30 Cruel Intentions based on novel "Dangerous Liaisons" by de LaClos [Issues: Narcissism, Rich Entitlement] W 9:30-10 Fight Club, book by Chuck Palahunik [Issues: Commercialism, Patriarchy, Consumerism] W 10-10:30
· ONLY Monday groups will have 30 minutes of preparation time. *Wednesday: Exam Overview / Study Session
Thesis Statement:
Should contain-
1. Title & Director of film
2. Evaluative key word
3. Issue key word
Example:
The film version of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Richard Brooks, successfully illuminates the central issue of the work, familial dysfunction, and contains artistic merit, particularly for its suburb acting and production value.
Information that should appear in your introduction:
HOOK: general information that introduces the subject without yet mentioning the film itself.
Background information: Since your film is based on a book, you may want to mention that here and tell a bit about the book, including but not limited to, author, title, and critical reception.
Context: summary of main plot points/characters of your film.
Awards: if your film won awards, you may want to work that information in somewhere in the introduction.
Connection: now it is time to connect all that general info. To a specific theis.
Thesis (see thesis page)
Conclusion:
Again you mention the title, director, etc. and explain the “value” of the film. Who is it made for? Who should watch it? Why? What is the social commentary of the story? What lessons are being conveyed to the audience?
Make sure you keep sight of your ANGLE. Use key words to bring your essay full circle. A good idea is to refer back to key words in your title and/or hook at the very end of your essay.
Grammar, Mechanics, Etc.
This will account for a large part of your grade!
· All sentences should “flow” and make sense!
· Proper nouns should be capitalized, and titles should be italicized.
· Proper words should be used.
· Avoid “pebble” words (thing, it, good, bad, etc.).
· Be specific and descriptive. * Use at least 3-4 support points, quotes and/or specific examples, per topic.
· Check for FRAGMENTS and RUN-ONS.
· Commas and semi-colons should be placed appropriately.
· Use identifying tags, colons, etc. properly.
· Cite all ideas that are not your own!
3 types of citations that will likely appear in your essay and are expected to be cited correctly:
1. Film Review:
Ebert, Roger. "An Inconvenient Truth." Rev. of An Inconvenient Truth, dir.
Davis Guggenheim. Rogerebert.com. Sun-Times News Group, 2 June
2006. Web. 24 May 2009.
2. Interview:
Zinkievich, Craig. Interview by Gareth Von Kallenbach. Skewed & Reviewed.
Skewed & Reviewed, 2009. Web. 15 Mar. 2009.
3. A Journal:
Milken, Michael, Gary Becker, Myron Scholes, and Daniel Kahneman. "On
Global Warming and Financial Imbalances." New Perspectives Quarterly.
23.4 (2006): 63. Ebscohost. Web. 04 March 2013.
For other formats, check your handout, your textbook, or Purdue Owl.
Into the Wild, book by Jon Krakauer [Issues: Extreme Adventure, Consumerism] M 10:00-10:30 Mysterious Skin, book by Scott Heim [Issue: Child Molestation] M 10:30-11:00
The Basketball Diaries, book by Jim Carroll [Issue: Drug Abuse] M 11-11:30 The Perks of Being a Wallflower, book by Stephen Chbosky [Issue: Suicide/Depression] T 9:30-10
We Need to Talk About Kevin, book by Lionel Shriver [Issue: School Massacre/Nature vs. Nurture] T 10-10:30
Never Let Me Go, book by Kazuo Ishiguro. [Issue: Human Scientific Experimentation/Ethics] T 10:30-11
Carrie, book by Stephen King [Issue: School Bullying/Revenge] T 11-11:30 Cruel Intentions based on novel "Dangerous Liaisons" by de LaClos [Issues: Narcissism, Rich Entitlement] W 9:30-10 Fight Club, book by Chuck Palahunik [Issues: Commercialism, Patriarchy, Consumerism] W 10-10:30
· ONLY Monday groups will have 30 minutes of preparation time. *Wednesday: Exam Overview / Study Session
Thesis Statement:
Should contain-
1. Title & Director of film
2. Evaluative key word
3. Issue key word
Example:
The film version of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Richard Brooks, successfully illuminates the central issue of the work, familial dysfunction, and contains artistic merit, particularly for its suburb acting and production value.
Information that should appear in your introduction:
HOOK: general information that introduces the subject without yet mentioning the film itself.
Background information: Since your film is based on a book, you may want to mention that here and tell a bit about the book, including but not limited to, author, title, and critical reception.
Context: summary of main plot points/characters of your film.
Awards: if your film won awards, you may want to work that information in somewhere in the introduction.
Connection: now it is time to connect all that general info. To a specific theis.
Thesis (see thesis page)
Conclusion:
Again you mention the title, director, etc. and explain the “value” of the film. Who is it made for? Who should watch it? Why? What is the social commentary of the story? What lessons are being conveyed to the audience?
Make sure you keep sight of your ANGLE. Use key words to bring your essay full circle. A good idea is to refer back to key words in your title and/or hook at the very end of your essay.
Grammar, Mechanics, Etc.
This will account for a large part of your grade!
· All sentences should “flow” and make sense!
· Proper nouns should be capitalized, and titles should be italicized.
· Proper words should be used.
· Avoid “pebble” words (thing, it, good, bad, etc.).
· Be specific and descriptive. * Use at least 3-4 support points, quotes and/or specific examples, per topic.
· Check for FRAGMENTS and RUN-ONS.
· Commas and semi-colons should be placed appropriately.
· Use identifying tags, colons, etc. properly.
· Cite all ideas that are not your own!
3 types of citations that will likely appear in your essay and are expected to be cited correctly:
1. Film Review:
Ebert, Roger. "An Inconvenient Truth." Rev. of An Inconvenient Truth, dir.
Davis Guggenheim. Rogerebert.com. Sun-Times News Group, 2 June
2006. Web. 24 May 2009.
2. Interview:
Zinkievich, Craig. Interview by Gareth Von Kallenbach. Skewed & Reviewed.
Skewed & Reviewed, 2009. Web. 15 Mar. 2009.
3. A Journal:
Milken, Michael, Gary Becker, Myron Scholes, and Daniel Kahneman. "On
Global Warming and Financial Imbalances." New Perspectives Quarterly.
23.4 (2006): 63. Ebscohost. Web. 04 March 2013.
For other formats, check your handout, your textbook, or Purdue Owl.