Step #1
Watch one of the following movies. (For plot summaries of films, see the webset of the Internet Movie Database at http://www.imdb.com. If you wish to suggest a different film, please present your idea to your instructor for approval immediately.)
Step #2 due in Module 08
Write an informal outline in which you summarize your plan for your paper. In this outline, state which two elements of communication you want to observe throughout the film. Your two elements must come from two different areas listed in the chart on the next page. (Do not choose two elements from one area.)
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Example of Communication Element You Might Choose
For your first element, you might analyze how Sean Penn, the mentally challenged character in I Am Sam, demonstrates relational dialectics (see area #1 in the chart) in his communication with his daughter. Show this with details from two scenes. Analyze the relational dialectics at work in these scenes. And so on.
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Sample Outline You Can Use
Your outline should explain in a sentence or two how you are going to analyze each of the two communication elements in your chosen film. Following is a simple outline you should try to follow. (For guidelines on writing an introduction, see the Course Materials section of your course.)
I. Introduction - introduce your film and the two elements for analysis. Leads into thesis, such as: "Let's take a look at two key communication elements, ___ and ___ throughout the film ______. From this we can comment on what this teaches us about communication for daily life." (You fill in the blanks!)
II. Analysis of first communication element in the film. (In your outline state what it is and how you will go about looking for it in the film.)
a. First scene where you see the element. (You can choose the scene later.)
b. Second scene where you see the element. (You can choose the scene later.)
c. What the movie teaches about this element of communication.
III. Analysis of second communication element in the film. (In your outline state what it is and how you will go about looking for it in the film.)
a. First scene where you see the element. (You can choose the scene later.)
b. Second scene where you see the element. (You can choose the scene later.)
c. What the movie teaches about this element of communication.
IV. Conclusion - give your personal impressions of how the movie demonstrated your two elements of communication. Closes with how this might impact personal life.
Step #3 - Rough draft due in Module 09. Final draft due in Module 11.
Write your paper based on your outline. See also guidelines in your project assignment.
For your paper, choose two communication elements from two different areas in the following chart: