final paper

Final Paper: Due on 2016 August 4^th (Thurs), 12 pm (midnight)

Please read CAREFULLY about the date/format and content of the final work.

Write a 1000-1500 word essay (typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, and 1” margins all around; refer to Chicago Manual of Style (http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html)

ABOUT: Your final paper should follow the basics of academic writing in humanities—you need to present your major argument(s) and use film(s) as your case studies. THINK WELL before working on your arguments. On July 28 (Thursday), we would have a workshop exchanging some preliminary ideas on your final paper. Attendance would be taken.

SUBMISSION: Please submit the essay to the lecturer’s email address maran@lit.nagoya-u.ac.jp with the subject “Final Paper Critical Film Analysis”. I’d send out confirmation email once your assignment is received. Late submission is NOT accepted unless emergency happens.

[I won’t demand you to address me as Professor since I do not enjoy that too much anyways; but at least call me something—Ran, Ma, Ma Ran, or even You…instead of ONLY sending me an attached file?]

Include the following information at the top of each assignment:

Your Name Course Title Submission Date Final Paper                          Title of the article

You are expected to demonstrate your understanding of certain critical frameworks (key methods developed from theories on mise-en-scene, genre, auteur; or cultural theories on gender and sexuality; Third Cinema or documentary etc.), mainly through textual analysis. You should be able to present your own interpretation and viewpoints further by referring to specific films. Please note that you don’t have to examine ALL the critical methods in one paper, one perspective would be sufficient. For those who are capable, you are encouraged to keep the balance between the analysis of film texts and the critical reading of the theories. Do indicate wherever you quote. 

In your final paper, one of the films you are writing about should be from the films listed in our syllabus, shorts included; at least 2 references will be from our syllabus, and at least one of them should be from the required readings. Remember: you are always welcome to quote extra sources, but pay attention not to conduct plagiarism. Quote systematically could avoid plagiarizing “by mistake/out of ignorance”. All papers would be submitted to plagiarism-check software. Plagiarism might result in FAIL and report back to your own academic institute.

EVALUATION:

I clearly know that some of us are NOT majors in film studies/cultural studies, so I would NOT evaluate your paper with exactly the same, mechanical standard as I might use for JACS G30 students. Nevertheless, the great point is to find out about your growth throughout this short period of time (with several submissions and class discussions).