FROM MY PROFESSOR:
This assignment involves the composition of a 2500-3000 word argumentative essay of film/TV analysis. You will attempt to convince me of a thesis related to the films’ subject matter and stylistic choices: there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, only better or worse argued essays.
The movie I chose: Waves (2019), Directed by Trey Shults.
Ideological Analysis
Choose a film or television show to analyze how it discusses cultural issues of race/ethnicity, gender and/or sexuality (other than the ones we screened in class).
How are these issues represented within the content (storyline/characters)? How do the formal elements (literary design, visual design, cinematography, editing, sound design) impact the representations? How might the identity of those working behind the camera (screenwriter/director/etc.) impact the representations?
You will be expected to situate the films/shows you discuss within the proper historical parameters. Knowledge of the social situation of the country during the time in which the texts were produced are vital to your examination of them. The more informed you are about the texts you are writing about, the stronger your argument will be.
Be certain to use the theoretical concepts discussed in the readings as they might bear to your discussion of your chosen text. You are also free to do outside research on how other authors have discussed these issues in your chosen text—but be certain to cite your research, and foreground your own interpretation rather than simply gathering and reporting what others have said.
IMPORTANT: Using AI software is against the university honor code. Know that Turnitin scans for artificially-generated writing, which includes using Grammarly or other writing assistance other than Microsoft Word spellcheck and grammar-check.
HELPFUL HINTS:
This assignment involves primarily close textual analysis, but the best papers will be those that thoughtfully consider the film under question in relation to the historical period in which it was produced.
Watch your movies and/or certain representative TV episodes more than once and take notes! The paper should have a strong thesis stated in the opening paragraph, while the following paragraphs go on to support that thesis with examples from the films/shows themselves. The more specific examples and thoughtful analysis you provide will all contribute to a stronger argument and a better paper.
College level writing is expected for these papers. The quality of your writing will be figured into the overall grade of the paper. Proof-read and Spell-check!! Watch out for typos, run-on sentences, incorrect grammar, and awkward syntax. Underline film/TV titles or put them in all capitals (choose one method, and maintain it throughout the essay). Avoid slang, jargon, and/or ethnocentric “asides” unless contextualized within the film/show you are discussing. Titles may be creative but should give some indication of the essay’s thesis.
Plagiarism is defined as handing in somebody else’s work as your own (whether it be a professional writer, or some other student, a relative, etc.). It is a serious offense and will result in a failure for the course and possible disciplinary action from the University. REMEMBER: Information culled from internet web sites must be cited—otherwise, it is considered plagiarism!!
Important: Do not waste your time or mine simply summarizing the films’ or series’ stories. It will be necessary to talk about what happens in the films, but this should be done as part of your overall analysis, not as a separate section wherein you merely synopsize the story.
