Response Paper Assignment

A response paper is an opportunity for you to illustrate your viewpoint, personal learning, and ideas as it relates to the films and their theme. This paper is not intended to be a film review (i.e. "I enjoyed the...") or summary (i.e. this happened and then this happened") of the plot. Do not write a synopsis of the film. Does not worry about the actors' overall performances, but you can explain how their performances are relevant in the film's success (or not). Specifically, I am interested in your interpretation or understanding of the hazard/disaster themes and also your response to the film with respect to current scientific understanding consider how the film can influence public understanding and perception of the hazard, response, and recovery of the event. Focus on one or two key points about the -message in the films that you would like to develop.

1. Review the 2 documentaries in Bb Learn (Tornadoes 101, a short film on tornado formation and science, and the Jarrell TX Tornado clip).
The purpose of this assignment is for you to compare and contrast the two films below:

Deadliest Tornadoes (NOVA) - 53 minutes- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEDdOgOrsjc

This film is a NOVA documentary on the science of tornadoes, prediction, and warnings. There are some interesting visuals to explain the science of tornado formation and understanding.

Twister (1996): 113 minutes- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf_wES-N1As

American disaster film depicting storm chasers researching tornadoes.

Criteria for your paper should include:

First paragraph - Introduction: (4 - 5 sentences)

• What is the message of both films?
• What is the central theme of Twiter?
• Focus on a couple of key points about the message of the films that you would like to develop:-

Second, Third etc. paragraph: Main Body of paper

• Using the characters, scenes, situations, illustrate how the film addresses basic points of the hazard/disaster theme and basic points. How do both films compare or contrast with one another?

• How do the character's behaviors shown in either film correspond or depart from scientific understanding of the disaster theme? Is it real, exaggerated, not accurate etc?

• Explain your position based on your knowledge of the hazard and readings and materials given to you in class on Blackboard Learn. Does the film Twister depart from scientific understanding or is it accurate or a mix of both?

• Could the film influence public understanding in terms of the event, response, and recovery?

• Are there any reviews on the films (relevant articles) that may help validate your argument? Provide citations in the body of the paper and also in the Bibliography.

Use Mitchell's (2000) article as a framework to write you paper (5 myths/misconceptions).

Last Paragraph: Conclusion:

• What was the producer/director of the films trying to promote?

What is your personal position of the films relative to the producer/director?

• Did the movie Twister affect your perception, experience, and learning about the event from the producers/directors perspective? How about the documentary on the Joplin tornado?

• Is this movie Twister worth seeing?

Bibliography

• When using references, use the standard MLA, Chicago (Turabian), or APA formats.
• If you use a reference from a website, be sure to provide a URL.

Paper Format:

• No less than 1.5 pages and no more than 3 pages in length
• I -inch margins
• Double Space
• 12-point Font

You should cite references in the body of your paper and use a standard format you use for your major (MLA, APA, AMA, Chicago (Turabian). Many of the paper format styles have a website online in case you do not have a book format to refer to.

For example:

For a direct quote put the sentence in quotes and site at the end of the sentence as (Smith, 2015, pp 34-5)

For a paraphrased sentence, do not use quotes but site at the end of the sentence as (Smith, 2015).

Use paragraphs and headings to differentiate the sections of your paper o empahttaseinti on to your points. A paragraph should have three complete sentences or more.r Pay basics like grammar and punctuation. Proofread your paper before you submit it online.