Production (aka Essay/Visual Media Project) (30%)
Option #1: Essay
The essay is on the topic of your choice but must be related to the course. You may, for example, wish to focus on a variety of films and examine recurring themes and symbols. You might conduct a detailed analysis of a specific film or choose to look at a television show(s), commercial(s) or other examples of Indigenous imagery in Media and culture which interest you. The choice is yours! The essay should be approximately 15 pages in length (approximately 3000 words) and must contain outside academic research (minimum of 10 academic, peer reviewed sources). Please see the assignment handout on Blackboard for full details and requirements.
Option #2: Visual Media Project
This option is designed to meet the creative penchants of individual students (or groups of students) who desire a more “hands on” approach to scholarship. Create a comedic, dramatic, or horror short film (no animals or humans should be endangered during the film making process!), a spoof some of your favourite (or least favourite) commercials or produce a line of comic books, children’s books, photo-essay, etc. All students must keep in mind that the project must relate directly to the course and focus on the visual portrayal of the Indigenous image in mass media. You should discuss the numerous possibilities for this assignment with the instructor before starting any work. Remember the project has to be submitted in an e-format so keep that aspect in mind when deciding upon your project. Have fun with this assignment! Your project must be accompanied by an Artist Statement (500 words) which outlines your creative process.
Option #3: Make Me an Offer I Can’t Refuse
If you have something in mind that is so outside the box that it doesn’t fit into the other categories, let’s talk about it and see what accomodations we can make to have your academic dreams come true!
