Description:
For your final paper in this class, you will choose a movie from the list provided. Then, you will apply a media theory (only ONE) we have discussed in the course to the movie. The purpose is to get you to think critically about how the media covers and frames certain topics, like those we have discussed. Consider the following questions:
How is the topic of choice (e.g., criminal justice [law enforcement, courts, crime in general, types of crime], mental illness [schizophrenia, depression, therapy, medicine], etc.) portrayed? Is it portrayed in a positive, negative, or neutral way?
How does your chosen theory explain the portrayal? What would the theory say about the portrayal? What doesn’t it explain?
What are the implications of the portrayal (e.g., on individuals, on society)?
How might portrayal be improved to affect the implications of the artifact (movie)?
You may choose one of the following movies to analyze. Consider access when deciding which one you’ll use. If you do not have streaming services or only some, reach out to the library.
Rain Man (1980)
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
A Time to Kill (1996)
12 Angry Men (1957)
Pretty Woman (1990)
A Clockwork Orange (1971) (*CW: sexual assault)
Outbreak (1995)
Good Will Hunting (1998)
The Shawshank Redemption (1998)
Dead Poet’s Society (1989) (*CW: suicide)
NOTES ON TOPIC SELECTION:
If you want to choose an artifact that is NOT on this list, you MUST get approval from me.
You are REQUIRED to use a theory we have covered in this course. If you want to choose a theory that we haven’t covered, you MUST get approval from me.
I recommend one of the following based on my knowledge of the films and theories: cultivation theory, agenda-setting, spiral of silence, or framing theory.
Requirements:
5-6 pages long (not including references)
12-point, Times New Roman font
Double-spaced
References page and in-text citations
Title page is NOT required
APA formatting throughout
Minimum of 5 credible sources
At least 3 need to be outside sources (non-textbook)
At least TWO need to be from peer-reviewed journals
Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation
General outline/organization:
Introduction
One well-developed paragraph that lays out what your paper will cover and what your thesis is.
Artifact (movie)
A brief synopsis of the film and key characters and plots.
This should take up no more than 1-1.5 pages.
Theory
Discuss the theory (or two) you chose in-depth. You should do so ABSENT of the film you chose. What are the key ideas and tenets of the theory in general?
This should take around 2 pages.
Analysis
See previous questions discussed in the description.
This will comprise the bulk of your paper (>50%)
NOTE: What you discuss in terms of portrayal will vary depending on the chosen movie.
Also, make sure to provide numerous direct examples.
Conclusion
One well-developed paragraph that summarizes the key points of your paper.
References
Again, in APA (see Purdue Owl for guidance)
Please refer to the following rubric that I will use to grade your papers: Final Paper Grading Rubric (8-Week Version)
(CLO: 1 and 7)
(meme tax)
