movie research

1. Watch the movie
Go to the Library and check out the movie. You have 4hrs per film, if you get the DVD from reserve.
Please return the film promptly, because your classmates need to watch it too. Alternatively, there are a
number of streaming platforms offering these films.
2. Take notes
While watching the movie it is best to take notes – on the story line, the political background that
unfolds, the names of the people that are mentioned – not so much the characters themselves, rather
the politicians, officials, important persons.
Additionally, keep an eye out for any mention of society`s attitudes, of artistic expression in the form of
art or fashion, watch for technological inventions that are specific to that period, look at the economic
sphere the story takes place in.
3. Write your essay
1.
Summary: Write a summary of each of film in about 300 words each
2.
Consider these questions (this is for guidance only):
a.
ERA
i.
What is the political situation in which the story unfolds?
ii.
What time frame is the story set in.
iii.
Who is the leader, what is the political system
iv.
What are the conflicts specific to your film
v.
Are there alliances, war, hate?
b.
POLITICAL BACKGROUND
i.
Who is in charge and what are their goals?
ii.
What are the connections to other countries iii.
What are the alliances?
iv.
What is the conflict?
c. SOCIETAL CHANGE AND EFFECT
i.
Take a look at society as a whole.
ii.
What is going on, what is happening underneath the surface?
iii.
Do the roles of people change
iv.
What is the economic situation like
v.
What is home life like, what are the professions, what their goals and ideas?
3.
Conclusion
a.
What do you learn from the movies?
b.
How did what you learned in class help to understand the movie`s background?
c.
Speak about how the movie has touched you
4.
Research
a.
From your notes, begin to do research and find answers to the questions:
b.
Use reputable sources! Imperative! No dubious websites. Look at the uploaded
lecture slides and the reading material.
c.
For background and more information go to Indy Niedell – he has great infos.
5.
Form of the Essay

Cover Page – Name, Class and Section, Professor, Running Head, Date

Abstract – summarize the essence of your paper in max 100 words

Summary of the film – max ½ page or 300 words

Introduction to your paper, first paragraph – 100 words

Body – Write your paper without repeating the questions and writing your answer
underneath. Your answers should become evident from the flowing text.

Conclusion to your paper, summarize the main points.

Use APA Format

Include a reference list with at least 8 sources including the film

Get help from the Writing Center in the basement of the library. They are happy to help!

Your paper must have around 3.500 words, of course excluding the cover page and the
reference list.

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