The purpose of the film critique is to provide a real-life perspective to some of the health issues we are discussing in this course. You will be asked to critically reflect on this video and discuss the implications for women’s health. Students will be able to view the film at their convenience, but must complete the critique by the assigned due date at the end of Module 2. Questions for the critique are posted on Canvas. Paper must be submitted online via Canvas in a Word document.
- Paper must be submitted online via Canvas in a Word document and must be written in essay format – not question and answer format.
- Format guidelines include: 2-3 pages (excluding the heading/cover page/references), 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, and double spaced.
- Answer all questions and provide examples from the film to support your ideas.
- Please see the rubric for specific information about how this assignment will be graded.
Tips for writing the film critiques
- Writing a film critique includes critically reflecting on the film by sharing your feelings, beliefs, and attitudes.
- If you use thoughts or words that are not your own, then you must provide a reference. This includes facts from the film itself. Failure to provide a reference for any thoughts or words that are not your own is considered plagiarism. Please cite your reference both in-text and at the end of your film critique using APA format. APA Formatting and Style Guide – Purdue Online Writing Lab Links to an external site..
- Please do not use direct quotes. Because this is such a short paper, we really need to know your thoughts and using direct quotes takes up space.
- It is very obvious (to the instructor) when students do not actually watch the film. Using cliff notes or other resources to write your critique is not permissible. You MUST take time to watch the film and share YOUR own thoughts.
- It is suggested you work on the film critique as soon as it is assigned as the due date is very close to the exam date and you want to make sure you leave yourself enough time to study for the exam.
Film Critique – Birthright: A War Story
This film has been assigned for the entire Women’s Reproductive Health module.
While Roe v. Wade is the law of the land, it is not the reality for many. Birthright: A War Story features the stories of women across the United States under siege. Every day, their ability to make their own decisions about their bodies, health, and when and if to have a family is under attack in cities and states. Political, religious, corporate, and governmental factions are waging a war on women’s health — and it has real consequences.
Please address all of the following discussion points in your film critique:
- Identify and discuss 2-3 long-term implications/consequences of creating a system where pregnancy outcome (abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or live birth) has legal repercussions. What does it mean for birthing people and their families?
- What role does race play in the documentary? Discuss depiction of race/racism in the film and apply examples to what you have learned in class about race, racism, pregnancy outcomes, and access to reproductive care nationwide.
- Identify and discuss 2-3 ways the regulation of reproductive health care in the United States may be a reflection of cultural and social views of women in American society. Be sure to include examples from the film.
