Need an A critical thinking class

WR 122

Professor Gurevich

Essay #1 (Film Argument Analysis) Checklist

Film Analysis (consult syllabus for due date) In class we will watch the films “Religulous” and “Lord, Save Us from Your Followers.” We will analyze the films with special attention paid to how each film works as an argument. You will then select either one of the films or some critical concept that both films address and write a 3-4 page analysis/critique of the film which should include the major premise (or arguments) the film presents as well as a clear, supported and researched response to those arguments. Remember, an essay is an “attempt” to interact meaningfully with concepts that require careful, thoughtful reflection and exploration. Think of this assignment as a conversation between yourself and the filmmakers about the substantive issues the films address. Then we will work together to gather ideas on how you will respond to the following prompts:

1. Explore the film’s purpose as an argument. What is the central argument the film makes?

2. Use the Greek categories of argument analysis (Logos, Pathos, Ethos & the Logical Fallacies) as the basis for your analysis of the film’s argument.

3. Assess the film’s overall value/strength as an argument. Is it effective? For whom? Does the style or tone of the film alienate any particular audiences? How so?

Assignment Details:

 3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12.pt font. MLA format.

 2-3 sources consulted in the essay and listed on a Works Cited page.

 Give your paper an original title that is NOT simply the title of the film.

 Present your argument in a clear thesis statement in the introduction.

 Give the title of your film, either italicized or underlined, and a BRIEF summary of the plot in the introduction of your essay.

 Support your claim or focus with evidence and examples from the film. The body of your essay will explore the events, actions, etc. in the film that have influenced your interpretation.

 Present one major point (presented in a topic sentence) per paragraph and explain it fully, with detailed support and examples, before you move on to your next point/paragraph.

 Conduct your discussion of the film itself in present tense; for example, you would write “Mahr arrives at the Vatican…” rather than “arrived.”

 Wrap up your essay with a conclusion that revisits your overall topic and theme.

Remember to include an “in-text” citation following each source you quote, summarize or paraphrase. The word inside the parenthesis of the in-text citation is always the first word of the citation as it appears on the Works Cited page. Your textbook has two chapters devoted to proper documentation styles. Please refer to them.

In your research, also consider the following:

1. How does the title relate to the film’s theme?

2. What sequences or scenes are most important to your analysis? Which ones stand out the most? Why?

3. What values, beliefs, or actions does the film wish to promote or reject?

4. Go to http://www.imdb.com and look up the movie. Go to the “external reviews” button and select at few reviews of the film. Read, summarize and interact with some of the major ideas you find in the reviews.

5. Look up your chosen film on Wikipedia (http://www.wikipedia.org). Read about the political, social and historical issues surrounding the film. How does the film address these issues?

6. When was the film made? How does the timing affect the overall message? Anything else going on in the world at this time that may have influenced the creation and/or reception of this film?

7. Consult the MHCC databases (http://www.mhcc.edu/FindArticles/) for relevant articles related to your research.