Assignment

You're going to choose one of the films in the file and write about it film analysis

Length: 4-5pgs

Format: MLA

No outside research necessary

May use supplementary readings to support your analysis, if you wish

Conferences are optional and will be scheduled individually upon request

For this assignment, I ask that you produce an original, argument-driven analysis of a single film that focuses on a specific concept, character, or theme. You may use one of your response papers as a starting point, if you'd like.

You can focus on virtually any element of the film that sparks your interest, but you need to make sure to define your argument from the start. Your introductory paragraph should contain a clear and concise thesis that tells your reader precisely what you want to say. If it helps, I encourage you to formulate your thesis statement in a straightforward manner: "In this paper, I will argue that..."

The key to writing a strong analysis to provide and explain supporting evidence from the film: dialogue, visual effects, plot, formal choices, action, etc. Consider the film a "text." Be sure to choose a film that you can talk about in detail. Ideally you should have access to the film, so that you can re-watch the parts you want to cite in service of your argument. (Some of the films we watched this semester are available through our library. Search the online catalog.) But at the very least, you'll want to work with a film on which you have detailed notes.

You need not conduct any outside research for the paper, but, if you'd like, you may use one of the recommended readings from class-to support your reading, or to use as a point of contrast. If you integrate a secondary source into your essay, be sure to use proper MLA format for internal citations and to place a works cited page at the end.

The paper should be written in accordance with the MLA style guide: double-spaced throughout and, to reference quotes, internal citations that place the author's last name in front of the relevant page number-for instance: "From this time on you must shut your ears to the roaring of the voices" (Anderson 14). Be sure to include a separate, properly formatted works cited page, even if it includes only a single entry.

I'm available for individually scheduled conferences, and I'm happy to look at rough drafts before the final due date. Please submit your final draft via Canvas.

Last, I strongly urge you to use the Writing Center and whatever resources Cedar Crest makes available to you as you write your papers. It's always helpful to look over your work with an extra set of eyes. All professional writers (no matter how many monographs they've published) ask others to look over their work. It's a crucial intellectual practice.