Film Viewing Report 1

FILMS WE WATCHED: Pick the film you liked the most!
Blackboard Jungle (1955)
To Sir, With Love (1967)
Dead Poet’s Society (1989)
Sources done in class:
(Smith) Whatt Media Classes Really Want To Discuss pdf

(Walker (2010)) Blackboard Jungle: Delinquency, Desegregation, and the Cultural Politics of Brown- https://scholarship.law.slu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1166&context=faculty

(Beyerbach (2005)) THE SOCIAL FOUNDATIONS CLASSROOM: Themes in Sixty Years of Teachers in Film: Fast Times, Dangerous Minds, Stand on Me.

( Bulman (2015) Movies/Society) Hollywood goes to high school cinema , schools, and american culture pdf.

A film analysis is not a review or summary of the plot, it should go deeper into analysis and reaction. It should discuss the issues raised by the film, address the film’s importance and purpose, state reactions to the content and quality of the film, and connect it to ideas and material presented in class.

ASSIGNMENT: Guided by the list of topics below, students will submit Film Viewing Reports on 4 different feature-length films viewed in class, choosing a different topic for each response. These brief papers (750-1000 words) should demonstrate students independent critical thinking skills and ability to apply various interpretive lenses as introduced in course texts. (5 points each / 20 points total)
Film is history, it is a primary source that can be analyzed and interpreted, and the film does not have to be about an historical event. Your task is to select a film from that we have viewed thus far and write an analysis of that film connecting it to ideas and course readings discussed in class. Please note that beyond identifying your topic of writing as listed below, it is REQUIRED that you cite a minimum of 2 different sources from the course readings per Film Viewing Report.
A film analysis is not a review or summary of the plot, it should go deeper into analysis and reaction. It should discuss the issues raised by the film, address the film’s importance and purpose, state reactions to the content and quality of the film, and connect it to ideas and material presented in class.

TOPICS TO FRAME YOUR FILM VIEWING REPORT:
A. Cinematography refers to the art of making motion pictures. Taking a formalist and/or expressive approach, respond to the film by identifying and analyzing significant aesthetic elements and/or artistic choices. For example, where is the camera, and why does that matter? A high-angle shot (when the camera is up high, looking down on a character) is likely to have a very different effect than a low-angle shot, just as the impact of a close-up differs from that of a long shot. If you are interested, . but your paper can also discuss props, costumes, and/or sets in addition to or in lieu of camera techniques. You cannot possibly write about every single aesthetic element, so focus on what stands out to you as a viewer.
B. According to Smith (2011), movies typically feature “at least one central character who is our emissary to the world of the film” (p. 40). Taking a formalist and/or expressive approach, focus on a single character’s role and/or the actor’s performance.

What makes this character so central to the film and/or your response to it?

C. Taking a sociological approach, identify and analyze how concepts like gender, race, class, and sexuality (or intersections thereof) operate within the film. You may choose to focus on one particular scene, compare or contrast several scenes, or write about a character or characters throughout the whole film.

D. Taking a sociological and/or philosophical approach, explain what the film suggests about relationships between or among teachers, students, or administrators and/or the roles these figures play. You may wish to cite Bulman if their frameworks shape your thinking.

E. What does the film suggest about the relationship(s) between school and society? Use a historical and/or philosophical approach to analyze the purpose of education as displayed in the film.

F. Citing a reputable news source, connect the film to a current event or issue related to education. In other words, by taking a mimetic approach, you can explain the film’s relevance by analyzing its representation of enduring, real-world ideas.

G. Take a historical and/or philosophical approach by focusing on the institution of school within the film. What is the curriculum like? What about the teaching style(s)? What do you notice about the classroom(s) and the building? How can you make sense of these sorts of observations with the help of what you know about American schools throughout history?

H. From an archetypal approach, consider this film in terms of the genre of schools on screen, noting whether it is an example of repetition or variation. Support your argument with key details from the film and strong connections to one additional film–whether viewed in this class or on your own. In addition to citing the additional film, you may wish to cite Smith and/or Tarancón.

This is an opportunity to capture your immediate and unique reactions to the films on our syllabus while at the same time flexing your critical thinking skills.

Given the relatively limited length of these papers (750-1000 words, inclusive of cover page and references, if needed), you are not expected to provide a comprehensive treatment of each film. The topics will help you focus your critical gaze and support your analysis with carefully selected evidence rather than summary.
Being able to supply such evidence requires taking notes during each film, which is what participation looks like on those days. Bulman (2015) explains how he worked inductively while studying his set of films: he watched them and took note of what stood out to him as a sociologist. You can follow his lead by going into a particular film without a topic in mind, or you can work deductively by selecting a topic for the week and taking notes accordingly. Feel free to try both of these methods.

CRITICAL QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR REPORT
You should also consider the following responses alongside your topic selection in your film viewing report.

Describe the film in general terms. What subjects does it cover?

Describe the plot and setting. What issues does it raise? What do you see as the main purpose of the film?

What are the major theme(s) of the film?

Evaluate the film for quality and interest. Comment on the screenplay, acting, direction, production values and music. Are any literary techniques such as symbolism, character development and foreshadowing used? Would a young person be interested in this film?
Relate the film to class discussions, readings, notes or knowledge. Is the film historically (or factually) accurate and realistic? Does it contradict or support anything you have learned?
Summarize briefly emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of the film.

FILM VIEWING REPORT REQUIREMENTS:
All papers must be typed, double spaced with a 12 pt. Font and have correct APA formatting.
All pages must have appropriately sized margins.
All papers have identified a topic area and must contain information detailed in the CRITICAL QUESTIONS section of these guidelines.
All papers should be written about one or more films viewed prior to the submission date of the Film Viewing report.
All papers must be 750-1000 words in length

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