GOVT 386 – Political Economy–Spring 2015

GOVT 386 – Political Economy–Spring 2015

Film Essay Assignment: Marx and Office Space

1. Purpose

The purpose of this writing assignment is to encourage you to apply an abstract body of political theory (in this case, Marxism) to a concrete life setting.  This is an important exercise, for when done well it illuminates the nexus between ideas, action, andthe common good.

2. Writing Objective

Your writing objective is to discuss the film’s main character (Peter Gibbons, portrayed by the actor Ron Livingston) from the point of view of Marx’s political theory of political economy.  In doing so, answer the following questions:

A. What elements of Marx’s theory of alienation do you find in this character’s life?  (As you write on this, be especially cognizant of the psychological restlessness within the character).

B. To what extent do the other 5 main characters in the film (Lumbergh, Joanna, Samir, Michael, Tom) share in Peter’s experience of work?

C. In the end, how did Peter, Samir, and Michael seek to escape their shared predicament? What would you have done?

(NOTE: For this assignment use only primary source material - i.e., the film and the actual writings of Marx).

3. Citing Source Material

Since you will be making claims about both a film and a thinker, you must direct the reader’s attention to the authoritative sources that give support to these claims. Any claim you make that is not common knowledge must be supported in this way. For this assignment, it is best to use footnotes to the film and to specific passages in Marx’s writings. Cite the film only once – the first time you make reference to it.[*] Cite all passages in Marx as you use them, but in no case should you cite the same page of material more than once in any one paragraph.

The Chicago Manual of Style (used in political science) specifies the following format for citing a film in a footnote:

¹ FirstnameLastname, Title of Work, Format, directed/performed by FirstnameLastname (Original release year; City: Studio/Distributor, Video release year.), Medium.

                Film Example:

¹Joe Versus the Volcano, directed by John Patrick Shanley (1990; Burbank, CA: Warner Home Video, 2002), DVD.

The format for citing a book is as follows:

            ¹Firstname Lastname, Title of Book (Place of publication: Publisher, Year of publication), page number.

                                Book Example:

¹William Faulkner, Absalom, Absalom! (New York: Vintage Books, 1990), 271.

4.Grading Criteria

Your grade for this assignment (up to 10 points) will be based on two components, each of which counts for 5 points:

1) The content of your essay, especially the clarity, competence, and sophistication with which you address thethree questions above. To succeed with the “content” portion, you must demonstrate a clear understanding of the plot and drama of the film, Marx’s theory of alienation, and the connection between the two.

2) The quality of your writing, which means rhetorical clarity, organization of topics, sentence and paragraph structure, word choice, grammar, spelling, source citations, and other standard requirements of English usage. To succeed with the “writing” portion, you must spend sufficient time editing and rewriting. I recommend allowing someone else to read and comment on your writing skills and style, and then make corrections accordingly.

The essay should be no more than 2000 words (+/-8 pages double spaced, 12 pt font).

Please see me during office hours if you require assistance on any aspect of this assignment.