Assignment

Cgoose either Project A or B

Project A) Scene Analysis: Compare and contrast scenes from a classic Western in which Native Americans are depicted with scenes depicting Native Americans from It Starts With a Whisper (1993), Smoke Signals (1998), or Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001), Zacharias Kunuk. Your analysis of these two scenes should include your own thesis on the representation of ethnicity and should demonstrate your understanding of the some of the lesson materials on this topic (e.g., any of the critical essays or Reel Injun).

Project Format: You may address the prompt above in any of the three following ways: A) You may write 1200-1500 page essay that addresses the project prompt, and citations or B) You may create a 15 slide Powerpoint or Visio presentation that addresses the prompt and includes speaker notes, images, and citations,

OR Project B) Letter to the Director: Write a letter to the director: Select a film that relies on ethnic stereotypes and misrepresents Native Americans or African Americans. **Please select a contemporary, mainstream Hollywood film, not one of the films from this lesson that utilizes cultural stereotypes. Write a letter to the director explaining why you her or his ethnic characterizations objectionable, and include an analysis of 2 or more scenes from the film that exemplify this in your letter. Your letter should suggest changes you would like to see made if they had the opportunity to redirect the scene. For instance, you may make suggestions about costume, dialogue, setting, plot, etc., that you feel would constitute more accurate representations of ethnicity. Letter must be 1200-1500 words. Citations should be included for film used and any additional information.