Literature analysis

Literature/Film Analysis paper (optional extra-credit opportunity; 30 points max.):

You will choose one published literature work (autobiography, biography, fiction, or

non-fiction) or a film (including documentaries) which describes topics of human

development. Based on the content or plot, write a three-page paper on what

developmental theories and empirical research covered in this class and/or in the

textbook are applicable to understand the work of your choice. See more details of

the logistics and grading rubrics attached in the syllabus.

Literature/Film Analysis Guide

The purpose of this project is to help you identify critical developmental milestones

at a specific stage of human development, and review relevant theories that delineate

critical factors contributing to such development. You will choose a published literary

work (fiction, non-fiction) or a film that focuses on a stage (e.g., infancy, childhood) or

an aspect of human development (e.g., emotional development, social development),

and critically analyze the plot and/or the protagonist(s) through the lens of

developmental psychology.

Your analysis can include, but is not limited to, the developmental milestones

individuals have achieved and salient factors contributing to the development. Articulate

your perspectives and arguments in a three-page report with references (not counted

within the page limit). Below are some guidelines that help you get started:

• What literature/film should I choose? A good choice will be a work that has

inspired you. It should also have a rich content that provides you enough

material to a critical analysis.

• What should I write in the paper? The goal of the paper is to let the readers

learn about your choice of the literary work/film, what theories are relevant to

understand the plot and/or the protagonist(s), how you critically apply the

theories to support your arguments, and the implications to your future

professional or parenting practice.

rubrics:

Component of Paper Length Points

Description and synthesis of the literary work/film. Focus on the

relevant part that you will base your discussion on. 0.5 page 6

Connection to theories/research findings that explain the plot

and/or the protagonists(s) 1.5 pages 15

Application and implication to your future professional practice 1 page 6

Mechanics (length, margins, spelling, and grammar; following APA

style) N/A 1.5

Inclusion of a list of references (in APA style) (no limit) 1.5

Total 3 pages 30