Film Analysis Papers

Abstract

Films are used in this major course assignment in order to provide students with a vehicle for discussing the most relevant concepts, ideas, or theories covered throughout the course. Students are asked choose from seven paper options which link a particular theorist or theorists to popular or documentary films. These papers are not expected to be "film...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Theory

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

College 400

Class Size(s):

Small

Usage Notes

Instructors looking for an assignment that gives students a significant level of choice and control in Theory courses will find that the Film Analysis assignment does just that. Students have the power to choose which papers they will write and which due dates will work best for them. However, getting students ready to write this kind of paper is a...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. To help students understand key theories and theoretical ideas covered class and in readings.
   
   
2. To help students develop advanced critical thinking and writing skills, such as synthesizing complex material, organizing and integrating ideas, and analyzing or evaluating theoretical concepts.
3. To decrease anxiety regarding understanding theory and increase motivation to write theoretical papers.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Depth of understanding is demonstrated in the paper by applying theory to popular and documentary film and building connections between theoretical principles and contemporary popular culture.
2. Papers that are well written and organized, use theory to analyze film, focus on a specific theme, create a convincing argument, and apply theoretical ideas in their evaluation, demonstrate advanced critical thinking and writing skills.
3. Pre- and post-tests can be used assess the effectiveness of film analysis papers for reducing student anxiety and increasing motivation.