Reflection Paper
How do the elements of "Mise-en-Scene" and "patterns of repetition" function and constitute their ways through the entire film, "White Light/Black Rain"?
Objective
For each paper, you should respond to one question, which reflects a thoughtful and critical comparison of class materials on a 3-page paper, double-spaced in a 12 points font size. The paper will focus on specific films/photographs/presentations, and be derived from the reading materials.
• For the paper, please don't only summarize the readings; instead I would be interested in your critical analysis, thoughtful questions and responses. However, please do keep in mind that this must be done from a position of understanding the claims of the text.
• Assignments will be graded on the originality of ideas, the clarity of expression, and the logical development of an argument.
• To do well in this course, you will need to put in work outside of class time (estimate 4 hours reading and writing per week). Students are responsible for completing the assigned reading, and writing reaction papers about it.
Paper Guidelines
1. In the first part of the paper, write a thesis statement. The thesis statement or sentence usually controls idea that limits its focus. It should be a discussion of the works (film/photo/reading materials) through your own ideas. Ask yourself what makes the materials interesting and meaningful. (Do you think that they are meaningful because of what you were told, or because they are compelling?)
2. In the second part of the paper, introduce the works, the artists or authors, and concisely describe the materials. Consider medium (film/photo used), aesthetics, technique, style, and subject matter. (What is the main subject or argument of the work? What kind of evidence do the authors/filmmakers/photographers use to support their claim? What kind of visual elements, social and political context do the works share or how do they differ?)
3. Conclusion: why are the elements that you have reflected upon important and of interest to you? You should clearly describe your ideas, experiences, and knowledge to support your comments. (Is there anything in particular about the work that relates to today's global nuclear weapon issues? )
Format
• Cite all supplementary material (including the Internet) in footnotes or endnotes only (MLA or Chicago style).
• Carefully proofread your paper. Poor grammar and spelling will negatively impact your grade. Note: I highly recommend that you take advantage of the Writing Center if you need help with organization and grammar.
Resources available
Check out online databases, particularly for articles related to your topic. If this is unfamiliar to you, go to the library homepage (www.lib.depaul.edu) and click on the research link to journal and newspaper articles.
After researching your topic in the DePaul system, check affiliated ILLINET libraries for additional source material. Book found at other libraries can be interlibrary-loaned up to a 2-week turnaround time.
Other archival materials & resources (online):
http://www.sensesofcinema.com
Los Alamos Scientist Laboratories
National Atomic Museum
American Institute of Physics
National Archives
Lawrence Livermore Lab
Center for Land Use Interpretation
National Security Archives by George Washington University
The Bulletin of the Atomic Sciences.