Essay # 1: Moments of Meaning Scene Analysis
This essay will require you to compose a detailed, theoretical analysis of one film that we have screened in class. To begin your essay, you must first enter into the ongoing scholarly conversation about film theory. Compare the Formalist Approach (see V.F. Perkins’ and Robin Wood’s articles) to the Ideological Approach (see Sergi Eisenstein’s and Laura Mulvey’s writings). Assume that your reader has very little knowledge about film history or these terms.
Then, answer this question: Which approach do you believe to be the most effective method of studying film and for which reasons?
In order for your argument to be persuasive, you must prove your point. Pick one of the films that we have screened in class and analyze it according to the approach you are advocating. (Thus, if you believe formalism is the more appropriate approach, you will offer a close reading of one key scene and discuss its importance to the rest of the film, whereas if you are advocating the ideological approach, you will take a gestalt approach and discuss the film in more general terms).
Minimum Word Count: 1,000 words (Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced)
MLA Works Cited Page and in-paragraph citations must be included. You must cite at least 3 outside sources (that means other than the film itself). See me if you get stuck looking for additional sources.
Grading Rubric:
Structure & Arguments: | Point System: |
Hook & Introduction: The writer immediately engages the reader and introduces the topic at hand. The writer’s overall argument is clearly stated and supported by smaller claims in each succeeding paragraph. | 20 points _________ |
Credibility: The writer demonstrates understanding of the issues raised by film theorists/critics. | 30 points _________ |
Critical Thinking: The writer builds from published materials to support or initiate re-consideration of issues about film criticism. S/he offers an original insight into the issue at hand. | 30 points _________ |
Critical Analysis: The writer goes on to PROVE his/her argument by demonstrating the applicable method via an engaging analysis of the film chosen. | 50 points _________ |
Style: Paragraphs are well-crafted: each should include a topic sentence (your own claim), support for your claim, and a transition to the next paragraph. Each paragraph should be devoted to the development and support of ONE claim only. | 20 points _________ |
Style: Correct grammar, language usage, MLA format, and spelling should be used. | Deductions: |
Total Points (150 Possible): ______________ | GRADE: |
Essay 2: “Put Me in, Coach, I’m Ready to Play!”:
Critical Analysis in Action
ESSAY: We began the semester discussing the difference between film theorists, historians, and critics. In general, film theorists pose the question, “What is film?” while film historians ask “What has film been?” and film critics ask “What is the significance of this film and its relationship to others?” Each of these “types” of scholars produce different polemical stances as well as different modes of writing. We have discussed and analyzed several approaches to film scholarship, including:
· Marxist Film Theory
· Auteur Theory
· Formalist Criticism
· Ideological Theory
· Grand (SLAB) Theory
· Semiotics
· Cultural Studies
· Historicism
· The Cognitivist Approach
· Cinephiliac Criticism
Our main objective has been to understand the objectives of each approach (i.e., why should you do it this way?). According to your own interests in studying film, you will use the theory and criticism surrounding one approach as a springboard to develop your own reflection on one of the above questions. To give your essay (academic) credibility, you must engage with at least five written sources (as Bordwell would urge, don’t forget the research part). Thus you should know enough about the chosen approach to not only explain it and discuss its significance in film scholarship, but to demonstrate it yourself. If you are writing on a specific film, it must be one we have screened in class or you must seek approval for an alternate film at least one week before the essay is due.
PRESENTATION: In addition to composing a written essay, you will present your ideas orally during the last week of class. You should synthesize your main points down to a 5 minute presentation. You must use visuals to demonstrate your argument(s) (e.g., PowerPoint, Poster, short video, improv acting, interpretive dance, etc…)
Presentation Time TBA (last week of classes)
Presentation Time TBA (last week of classes)
| Essay Grading Rubric | |
| Hook & Introduction: The writer immediately engages the reader and introduces the topic at hand. The writer’s overall argument is clearly stated and supported by evidence in each succeeding paragraph. | 25 Points: |
| Credibility: The writer demonstrates understanding of the issues raised by film scholars. (5 outside sources are documented correctly according to MLA) | 25 Points: |
| Critical Thinking: The writer develops his/her own reflections on one critical question. S/he offers an original insight into the issue at hand. | 50 Points: |
| Critical Analysis: The writer goes on to PROVE his/her argument by demonstrating the applicable method. | 75 Points: |
| Style: Paragraphs are well-crafted. Writing is engaging while still following grammatical conventions. Ideas flow easily from one paragraph to the next (transitions prevent jumps in ideas). | 25 Points: |
| Style: Correct grammar, language usage, MLA format, and spelling should be used. | Deductions: |
| Total Points (200 Possible): _________ | Grade: _______ |
| Oral Presentation (5 minutes) Grading Rubric | |
| 10 Points: | |
| Brief Explanation of the Approach | 5 Points: |
| Presenter’s Original Thoughts Explained | 10 Points: |
| Visual Aspect | 25 Points: |
| Total Points (50 Possible): ______ | Grade: |
