Historical film review

Write a historical review of a movie based on historical events that occurred

during the time covered by the class (1492 – 1877). Students have 1,000 words (+/- 10%) to complete this assignment. Each paper will be submitted will be in MS Word document format (if document submitted is NOT a Microsoft Word document. All papers will be in Times New Roman, 12-font, double spaced with 1-inch margins. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in reductions to the grade.

Film Choice:

· The film must cover a time period from 1492 to 1877 and be relevant to US History.

· NO documentaries: you must choose an actual movie.

· Movie selection must be pertinent to this class, US History up to 1877.

· If you have any about your movie selection, please contact your professor.

· If the movie you select is outside of these requirements, you will receive an automatic F.

Paper Goals:

The primary goal of this paper is to get the student to begin thinking and writing like a historian. Students will need to watch their respective film multiple times. Students will then research the event and/or events that are portrayed in each film and discuss whether the film maker accurately portrayed the event based on historical research and if the said film could be useful in furthering a student’s understanding of History.

Basic Paper Criteria:

· The paper will be 1,000 words (+/- 10%)

· The paper will be submitted as a MS Word Document

· Font: Times New Roman

· Font Size: 12-point

· Margins: 1 inch on all sides

· Double spaced

· The paper will use the MLA writing manuals

· The paper will have a title page (not included in word count) and will consist of:

· Title

· Student’s Name

· The date it is handed in

· Word count

· The paper will have a properly formatted Annotated Bibliography (not included in the word count)

· The paper must also be properly cited using footnotes

· The paper must be based on at least four factual sources.

· One (1) must be a peer reviewed document

· One (1) must be a book, this could be the textbook

· One (1) must be the film itself

· One (1) will be your choice; however, please keep in mind your paper is only as good as the source that you use

Basic paper layout:

· Introduction paragraph

· State your thesis

· Introduce the title of the film being reviewed

· Lay out the structure of your argument

· Body (Minimum 3 Paragraphs)

· Make your argument

· Be sure to support your argument with facts and references

· The instructor is not interested in your ‘opinion’, but rather in an argument based in fact

· Conclusion

· Briefly restate your argument

· State your fact-based conclusion clearly

Late Papers: Papers will receive a reduction of one letter grade for every 24 hours they are late.

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