FILM 102: Film Movements and Contexts

Sep 21, 2021 | students

FILM 102: Film Movements and Contexts

Assignment 3: Long Research Essay

Assignment Three: Long Research Essay (35%)

Due Date: Thursday 9 September, 11.59pm

Length: 1500-1800 words (excluding bibliography)

Instructions:

This assignment will cover topics studied in weeks 2-6 of the course. Choose ONE (1) of the topics from the list below. Research the topic using good quality academic sources, such as books, book chapters and articles from academic journals. You may use material from the list of assigned readings where relevant, however, you are also expected to conduct independent research. Develop your own critical response to the topic based on your research and textual analysis, and use these results as the basis of a coherent, well-supported argument. Please note you may not pick a topic that you already discussed for assignment 2.

The essay must be typed, properly referenced and contain a bibliography of at least FIVE (5) academic sources. It is very important that you reference adequately and correctly.  This will allow you to demonstrate good scholarship, and also to avoid allegations of plagiarism (see course outline). 

Topics

  1. Discuss the defining features of the Classical Hollywood style using TWO films to illustrate your argument.
  1. Discuss the legacy of the French New Wave on contemporary cinema using TWO films of your choice.
  1. Discuss the differences (in aesthetic, production and distribution terms) between contemporary Hollywood and a small national cinema such as the New Zealand one using TWO films of your choice as examples.
  1. Compare the different stylistic and thematic strategies deployed by TWO Third Cinema films to articulate their respective political messages. 
  1. Choose TWO films and discuss the extent to which they can be considered Fourth Cinema. In doing so, take into account Barry Barclay’s definition of Fourth Cinema.

Submission
The essay must be submitted by the deadline on Blackboard (see relevant link in the ‘Assignment 3’ folder).

Assessment Criteria:

  • Fulfilling the set task in a clear, direct, relevant and complete manner
  • Clear evidence of engagement with the ideas and materials discussed in class
  • Clear evidence of independent research, including the use of academic articles, chapters and books
  • The originality of your findings. This will include your ability to engage in textual analysis, and develop and express new ideas