Begin with a 1 page summary of the movie. I need to know enough about the plot and characters so that when you refer to them later on I know what/whom you’re talking about.
Then, in approximately 1 page per example, describe 3 examples in the movie where a memory phenomenon we discussed this semester was portrayed. For each of your 3 examples you should, in this order:
a) Define and describe the memory phenomenon in approximately 1/2 a page (e.g., the typical short term memory span, episodic versus semantic memory, the transfer of information from STM to LTM through rehearsal). You must provide examples from the course wherever possible, such as research studies we discussed or patients with corresponding types of memory impairments and the kinds of things they can and cannot remember. You will likely need to explain multiple phenomena to fully explain an example. For instance, if you are discussing discussing a type of memory system (e.g., episodic memory), you should probably describe several major ones (e.g., episodic, semantic, implicit) to ensure you have half a page of good information. This is the major aspect that your examples will be graded on – how well you describe the course content – so make sure you do provide a full half page description per example.
b) Describe how the movie portrayed that memory phenomenon in about 1/3 of a page. You should assume that I have not seen the movie you’re writing about, so the impetus is on you to make me see the connection between the memory phenomenon and what happened in the movie.
c) Describe what exactly was wrong or suspicious or right about the movie’s portrayal of the memory phenomenon in a few sentences (e.g., was the memory phenomenon portrayed in a way that was consistent with the research, was the character’s memory similar to real patients we learned about with that type of disorder).
Finally, end your paper with a half page conclusion summarizing your paper and the accuracy of the movie’s portrayal of memory.
The final paper is due by Monday, July 1st at 11:59 pm. One point will be deducted for each day it is late. The paper must be e-mailed to me (Grading Criteria (out of 10 points):
– Introduction, conclusion, no spelling/grammar/punctuation errors, 1” margins, 12 pt. font, a maximum of one quote, etc.: 1 point
– Description of the memory phenomenon, description of its portrayal in the movie, applying the course information to the example, correct length, etc.: 3 points per example x 3 examples = 9 points.
