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, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/tips-and-solutions/filmmaking-101-camera-shot-types. 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
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step 1: Choose Your Film and Topic
For your Film Viewing Report, you need to choose one of the films we’ve already watched in class, such as Blackboard Jungle (1955), To Sir, With Love (1967), or Dead Poet’s Society (1989). You will analyze the film through a specific lens based on one of the topics provided (cinematography, character analysis, sociology, etc.). Here’s how you can break it down:
- Pick your topic: Focus on one of the following topics that interests you and fits the film you’ve selected:
- Cinematography (analyze the film’s aesthetic and artistic choices)
- Character analysis (focus on a central character and their role)
- Sociology (explore race, class, gender, sexuality, etc.)
- Teacher-student relationships (sociological or philosophical approach)
- School and society (historical or philosophical approach)
- Relevance to a current event (mimetic approach)
- School curriculum and teaching styles (historical or philosophical approach)
- Archetypal approach (compare genres and films)
Step 2: Watch the Film and Take Notes
- Pay attention to key details related to your chosen topic. For example, if you’re focusing on cinematography, note camera angles, shots, lighting, and other aesthetic elements that stand out. If you’re analyzing a character, observe their behavior, decisions, and how the actor portrays them.
- Be active and reflective: Consider how the film raises significant issues and how it relates to the topics covered in class, such as themes of race, class, and education.
Step 3: Start Writing Your Analysis
Here’s how to structure your Film Viewing Report:
- Introduction:
- Introduce the film you’ve selected (e.g., Blackboard Jungle).
- Briefly mention the central topic you will analyze (e.g., cinematography, character, or sociology).
- Provide a sentence or two on what your approach will be (e.g., focusing on the cinematography or how gender and class are portrayed in the film).
- Body:
- Film Summary (Brief): Briefly describe the film’s plot and setting but avoid summarizing too much. This is an analysis, not a review, so focus on what the film is addressing.
- Analyze Using Your Chosen Topic:
- Cinematography: Discuss the camera work, lighting, and aesthetic choices, and explain how they affect the viewer’s emotional connection to the story.
- Character Analysis: Dive into a character’s role in the story. What makes this character central? How does the actor’s performance shape the film’s impact?
- Sociology (Race, Gender, Class, etc.): Analyze how these issues are represented in the film. Pick specific scenes or characters to illustrate how the film engages with these themes.
- Teacher-Student Relationships: Discuss how the relationship between educators and students is portrayed in the film and how it connects to the broader educational or societal issues.
- School and Society: Examine how the film depicts the purpose of education, and reflect on its relevance to the historical context.
- Relevance to Current Events: Identify a real-world issue and draw parallels between it and the film’s portrayal of education.
- School Curriculum and Teaching Styles: Discuss what you notice about the school setting, teaching methods, and curriculum, and compare them to historical or modern educational practices.
- Archetypal Approach: Compare the film with another film or genre, and analyze whether it conforms to or challenges traditional school movie tropes.
- Connection to Course Readings:
- Cite at least 2 sources from the course readings (Smith, Walker, Beyerbach, or Bulman). For example, you might cite Smith (2011) to discuss the role of central characters or Walker (2010) for sociological aspects of race and class.
- Integrate these readings seamlessly into your analysis to strengthen your argument and provide evidence for your points.
- Reactions to the Film:
- Share your personal reactions to the film. Did it challenge your views? Did you find certain parts of the film particularly striking or thought-provoking?
- Evaluate the film’s quality: Was the acting compelling? Did the direction effectively convey its message? Was the film relevant to the educational issues it sought to address?
- Conclusion:
- Summarize your analysis and reinforce your main points. Why is this film significant, and how does it contribute to our understanding of education or society?
- Mention any strengths or weaknesses of the film, and make a final comment on its relevance to contemporary education or societal issues.
Step 4: Format Your Paper
- Length: Aim for 750-1000 words.
- APA Formatting:
- Title page (if required by your instructor).
- 12 pt. font, Times New Roman.
- Double-spacing.
- References page (if necessary).
- Cite your sources properly in-text (e.g., Walker, 2010).
Step 5: Proofread and Submit
- Proofread your paper to ensure it is clear, concise, and free from grammatical errors.
- Verify APA citations for both in-text and reference list formatting.
- Submit your paper as per your instructor’s instructions.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to craft a thoughtful and well-organized Film Viewing Report that demonstrates critical thinking, engagement with the course material, and an in-depth analysis of the film.