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Seminar paper topic for Saturday, August 29:
--In "The Moving Image as Historical Document," the author provides a detailed analysis of the actual "See It Now" episode that figures prominently in the film Good Night and Good Luck. What are some of the key points he makes in his analysis of this historic television program? How does his assessment compare to the way the story is actually presented in the Clooney/Heslov book--both in terms of the background information in Part I (pp. 13-98) and in Part II, the screenplay of Good Night and Good Luck?
Devise 3 questions for Saturday (and know the answers). They should be drawn from three different weeks of the program. They need to address key concepts, ideas and historical information you've learned this term. For example, in the chapter and subsequent lecture on "Editing" we learned about 4 basic areas (graphic, rhythmic, spacial and temporal) that are present in the editing of any film, including historical. So a sample question might be: "How do the 4 basic areas of editing (graphic, rhythmic, spacial and temporal) affect our response to history, character and dramatic action on film?"
Rosenstone study questions for Saturday (to be included in your portfolio):
--How do mainstream films construct a historical world?
--How do experimental films construct a historical world?
--What's the difference between "true invention" and "false invention?" Include some examples from the book and the films we've studied.
Portfolio paper topic for Sunday, August 30:
--The Flags of our Fathers examines the nature of heroism--both real and fabricated--as well as racism during World War II. How and why does the film address these themes? Find at least one credible outside source to support your analysis. Please note: if your evaluation is scheduled on Sunday, you need to TURN IN a copy of the Portfolio paper with your Portfolio on Saturday. Bring a second copy to class on Sunday for seminar.
REMINDERS:
Your portfolio is DUE the day before your evaluation. It must be clearly laid out, readable and divided into the following sections:
1. Place a draft of your self-evaluation as a cover page
2. Class, reading and screening notes, including handouts and copies of readings you've downloaded
3. Responses to weekly study questions posted on the website
4. Seminar and portfolio papers in chronological order
5. Annotated bibliography
6. Any additional films you screened and wrote about
EVALUATION schedule is listed at the bottom of this page. Evaluations will be held in my office (B3104), which is above our classroom on the 3rd floor. A final copy of your self evaluation and a faculty evaluation on the correct forms are due at your evaluation conference.
Here is a breakdown of all the weekly the study questions, seminar and portfolio paper topics:
Study questions for Sunday, August 2
From your reading of Rosenstone and Stansell (downloaded from web)
--How did the Stansell reading (ELMS) effect your thinking about Reds now that you’ve seen the film and read R’s chapter?
--What are the key points Rosenstone makes in pps. 1-44 including:
a. What is the “ongoing discourse of history” and why is it important to historical films?
b. What criteria are applicable for judging visual history?
c. What does Rosenstone mean when he states that “all history, including written history, is a construction, not a reflection”?
Seminar paper topic for Saturday, August 8:
On Pg. 16 of the Introduction to Titus Andronicus, we are told that the “play does not assume a political situation known to Roman history; it is rather, a summation of Roman politics.” The passage goes on to say that “Shakespeare is interrogating Rome, asking what kind of example it provides for Elizabethan England.” Following this thesis, choose a scene from the play and discuss how it reveals something important about Roman politics and what lesson was intended for Shakespeare’s audience. Be sure to cite the introduction, relevant passages from the play and any other sources you might wish to use to support your conclusions.
Study questions for Sunday, August 9:
Be prepared to discuss the stages of the Journey of the Hero. Why the these stages important story- telling techniques?
Portfolio paper topic for Sunday, August 9:
JFK is a controversial film. How has it contributed to the discourse of history? What techniques has Stone employed to make his case? Please screen the film before you read the Rosenstone chapter (pp. 120-131) and the Karnov article (linked as a download on ELMS). Be sure to cite from both sources and any others you research to support your analysis.
Seminar paper topic for Saturday, August 15:
Choose two passages (each a few pages but no more than a chapter) from The Return of Martin Guerre by Natalie Davis. These passages should exemplify how the historian investigates a subject. What kinds of details does she provide? How is her writing substantiated by the research? What do your chosen passages reveal about the time, events and individuals who figure into the story? How has Davis's writing contributed to the discourse of history? These are a few questions you might want to consider. Except for short lines of text, do not quote long passages but be sure to cite their location in the book and any other relevant documentation.
Study questions for Sunday, August 16
--What does the author have to say about the process of making his play, The Madness of King George, into a historical film? What parallels does he draw with the contemporary monarchy or any others?
Name a few important historical details that you learned from reading the introduction and the first 20 or so pages of the screenplay.
Portfolio paper topic for Sunday, August 16:
Amadeus is a film that examines the life of Mozart through the perspective of Salieri, a rival composer at the court. Choose a few historical details that figure prominently into the film (including, perhaps, the use of music--not as underscoring but as part of the action). What do these details tell us about the time? How do they contribute to the meaning of the film? Find one outside piece of credible research to support your support your analysis.
Study questions for Saturday, Aug. 22:
--In "Rebirth of a Nation" Ken Burns is both praised and taken to task by the writer. Why? What are some of the techniques that Burns uses in his documentary filmmaking— specifically in The Civil War--that are analyzed in this chapter? How do they enhance or cloud our sense of history?
Seminar paper topic for Saturday, August 22:
In what ways is Little Big Man a historical film? How does it use history to make a point? What is the point of the film? Choose two scenes from the film (supported by independent research) to support your analysis.
Study questions for Sunday, August 23:
-- What is the cult of the gunfighter? In what ways is the gunfighter a vehicle for social commentary?
--How and why was prostitution central to the social life of the western frontier?
--Why do Westerns "distrust language" and how does this impact the plight of women in the western?
EVALUATION SCHEDULE
Sunday:
4 pm Rae
4:15 Shawna
4:30 Maylin
4:45 Patrick
5:00 Sarah
5:15 Ariel
5:30 Anthony
5:45 Holly
Monday:
11:15 Joel
11:30 Joshua
11:45 Morgan
12 pm Nick T.
12:15 Kellianne
12:30 Lee
12:45 Arlen
1:00 Rose
1:15 Courtney |
