FINAL ESSAY – FALL 2024
Course Code: MEDA14099G
Course Name: Introduction to the Art of Cinema
Due Date: December 2nd, via Slate Dropbox
Assignment Overview
Select any one (1) topic identified in the course outline — e.g. The Art Film; Film Noir: Style and Genre;, Film Sound, Film Editing, etc. Focusing on the film screened in class during that week and one (1) additional film not screened in class from the relevant subject, undertake basic library research that will allow you to compare and contrast these two films and place them within the broader history of the genre, style, theory as a whole.
Basic Requirements
Your submission should be a maximum five (5) typed pages, double-spaced, 1” margins, 12-point font. Submissions that do not meet this requirement may not receive a passing grade.
This is not a movie review or a plot summary, it is an essay. This assignment tests your ability to think through the core concepts developed in class and, where necessary, to independently conduct research relating to the interests of the course with a focus on scholarly and critical sources (including professional print journalism).
Basic library research will provide you with a clear understanding of the subject matter addressed by the topic and an appreciation of the specific historical, social or political context of the film(s) itself. You will share this research with me in the form of a bibliography. A properly formatted bibliography with a minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed entries from outside of the course readings will demonstrate your research. *This is not an annotated bibliography*
The various ‘works cited’ sections of the course readings will provide you with a solid starting point for scholarly work addressing the various subject areas. Acceptable citation guidelines are to be found in the Modern Languages Association Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (available online and in most new and used bookstores). With the exception of refereed journals available online (and through library-endorsed online databases; i.e. ProQuest) internet sources are not acceptable and may result in a failing grade (i.e. Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes). The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) provides valuable assistance for conducting research and offers resources to ensure you properly cite your work — https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ section/2/
Your opening paragraph should include the titles of the films you are discussing and a simple thesis that organizes your work in response.
Grading Outline
A grading rubric for the assignment is available via SLATE. In general, you work will be assessed based on the following:
- Inclusion of a thesis statement identifying the film and related topic
- Clarity of your thesis, central idea, argument
- Appropriate discussion of films based on historical significance and selected research materials
- Proper use of film studies terms and concepts as introduced in class
- Inclusion of a properly formatted bibliography with a clear relationship to the essay as it is submitted
- Essay structure
- Mechanics of writing (e.g. proper punctuation, word choice, spelling, )
- Overall impression of the work
Unfortunately, due to the widespread sharing of essays from previous sections of this course, all essays will be checked against previous submissions; there will be zero tolerance for plagiarism and unattributed extensive paraphrasing.
Sheridan Policies
The principle of academic honesty requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing, or collaborating on work, except for group projects arranged and approved by the faculty member, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student’s own violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of Academic Honesty are advised to discuss them with the faculty member prior to submitting the assignment in question.
Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that respects the dignity, self-esteem and fair treatment of every person engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan’s policy on Harassment and Discrimination, Academic Honesty, and other academic policies are available in the Sheridan policy website.
Word Count: 1400-1500
No. of Pages: 7