TERM ESSAY.
You are required to write an essay of 1,500 words (worth 200 points). Your essay must use at least five interpretive terms that are on the approved list in Canvas. You must analyze a film that is on the SWANK list and is not part of the films in the course. These films are listed in the COURSE RESERVES. SAMPLE TERM ESSAYS ARE POSTED IN CANVAS.
In your term essay, you are required to boldface the terms and concepts that you are discussing. Your essay must include a thesis statement or a purpose for your analysis of the film, which is a discussion of its characteristic components–yet more than a plot summary.
The term essay must be at least 1,500 words and it is worth 200 points. Your writing project involves much more than plot summary. In fact, plot summaries should be kept to a minimum (brief plot summaries or references are acceptable in support of an interpretive point). However, the term essay is not a research project and you are expected to contribute an original essay on a film of your choosing (approved films are listed in MODULES). You are discouraged from drawing upon professional reviews, either from the Internet or other sources. Films shown in class are not eligible as choices for your essay. You are required to use at least FIVE approved interpretive terms, which are posted below and in CANVAS under COURSE DOCUMENTS.
Your subject matter can be wide ranging, including (but not limited to nor necessarily requiring) the following issues:
•Themes, cultural assumptions, and perspectives;
•Comparisons (brief) with/references to other films by the same director and/or actor;
•Examination of acting performances related to cultural perspectives;
•Analysis of technical elements, which may include lighting (and shadows), camera angles and foci, acting, dialogue, sound, special effects, and so
•Remember not to use contractions in formal writing.
The second part of your essay, the evaluative component, asks you to make an articulate judgment (or series of judgments about the film). In other words, you should indicate whether the film lives up to its potential (or fails to do so). You should have some clear criteria of evaluation in making your overall judgment (your descriptive criteria will provide you with supporting material here). One critical component in evaluation is effect. What effect(s) does the film have on you and how or why? Are these effects appropriate to the genre? Does the film introduce effects that are relatively innovative and new for you? (Your essay is NOT a research project.) How does this film compare with other films of the same genre with which you are familiar?
Your term essay should express in clear language the fundamental elements of the film, followed by your concrete judgment as to whether it is a good film, a poor film, or something in between. Do not leave your reader in doubt as to your overall judgment about the success or failure of the film. Sample student essays are posted on Canvas. For the essays, you are required to select a film (list below) to be streamed from the USF/Swank Digital list posted in MODULES in Canvas (unless your TA has provided additional optional titles). These films are NOT part of the class viewing schedule. All USF students are able to access any film in the USF/Swank Digital list, but ONLY the titles below on the USF/Swank list are approved for your essays.