Extra Credit Film Essay

Points: 15 Points Maximum

Due: Monday, November 23rd

Assignment:

This is a non-mandatory, extra credit essay. There are many fantastic documentary films (and a few fictional films) that will help you generate ideas for your final research paper. Many film makers tackle issues associated with unchecked corporate power, and these films will help you understand some of the thing happening in our world today. For this essay, you will respond to one of these films.

It is worth a maximum of 15 points, but poor mechanics and such can make it worth less than that.  For this assignment, you need to watch one of the films or documentaries below. You will then complete all of tasks listed here. These films may be hard to find locally, so if you know anyone using Netflix, you may need to go through them to get these films. As a quick note, the film that covers the most topics and proves most interesting to those with no topic ideas yet is the film The Corporation; I've highlighted it in red down below.

Ratings: I make no claim to what these films are rated, or if any of then contain mature content. Most contain swearing and adult situations, so be sure you check up on any film before you decide to watch it.

Note: I think you'll have an easier time writing your essay based on one of the documentaries listed below. It will be much easier to find quotes and sum up arguments on those movies. I've listed some major feature films as well just in case you prefer them, but if you're not sure, go for a documentary...

Documentaries:
1) The Corporation (Topic: Corporate Power)
2) The Yes Men (Topic: Globalization, World Bank, WTO)
3) Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism (Topic: Power of the Media)
4) Roger & Me (Topic: Corporate Greed) (Caution: Graphic Scenes)
5) Supersize Me (Topic: Fast Food and Obesity)

6) McLibel (Topic: Fast Food, Corporate Greed) (Caution: Graphic Scenes)

7) Who Killed the Electric Car? (Topic: Oil and Auto Industry)

8) An Inconvenient Truth (Topic: Environment)

9) Orwell Rolls in his Grave (Topic: Power of the Media)

10) Wal Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices (Topic: Walmart)

11) This is What Democracy Looks Like (Topic: Globalization, World Bank, WTO)

12) Maxed Out (Topic: Credit Cards and Debt)

13) In Debt We Trus t(Topic: Credit Cards and Debt)

14) Sicko (Topic: Health Care Industry)

15) Hacking Democracy (Topic: Diebold Voting Company, American Elections, Fraud)

16) The 11th Hour (Topic: Environment)

17) The Yes Men Fix the World (Topic: Globalization, World Bank, WTO)

18) Food, Inc. (Topic: Fast Food, Diet, Obesity)

Feature Films:
1) Good Night and Good Luck (Topic: Power of the Media)
2) Network (Topic: News Conglomerates and Information Control)
3) They Live (Topic: Power of the Media and Information Control, Consumerism)

4) Fast Food Nation (Topic: Fast Food, Meat Packing, and Farm Industry) (Caution: Graphic Scenes)

5) Thank You for Smoking (Topic: Lobbyists and Tobacco)

Tasks:  I want an essay which sums up the film and then provides a critical response with an argumentative thesis statement.  Follow the steps below for more details.  This essay will be roughly two to three pages long.

1) Summary: in a 200 to 300 word summary (no more, no less) tell me all the major plot points, facts, arguments (or story arcs from the fictional movies). You’ll have to boil every major argument/scene down into just a few sentences.  This must prove to me that you’ve watched and understood the film.

2) Response: With at least 250 more words, write a response to the film. Each response must include a direct quote from the film with a full MLA parenthetical citation. In the response, I want an example of your ability to critically think and critique the film you’ve chosen. Some questions you may answer are: Do you agree with the argument of the documentary? Did the film prompt you to think about American culture, and if so, how?  Will this film change anything about your daily life?  Make sure you introduce the quote, give the quote, and then discuss the relevance of the quote in your argument (see my online lectures for more details).

4) Mechanics: This paper must adhere to all rules of grammar and mechanics, and it must follow MLA documentation guidelines including a full works cited page.

5) Sources: I don’t want any outside sources on this essay.  Simply the film and your own arguments.  (Remember to avoid “I think” and “I believe” when you phrase your arguments, and be sure to follow the guidelines about how to write about literature, though…)

NOTE: I grade extra credit assignments at the very end of the semester, after I have done all other grading.  If you submit this essay, you will likely get no feedback on it, simply some points calculated at the very end of the class.If you want feedback on your writing here, you will have to come see me during office hours; I’ll GLADLY go over your writing with you.