History Essay

Write a critical analysis of each film (ONE PAPER FOR EACH FILM) which answers the following questions. The paper should be approx. two pages long (550-750 words) double spaced.

 

(1) What is the title of the film? When was it made?

 

(2) What is the argument or thesis of the film? Does the filmmaker seem to have an agenda? What message does the film want to convey about this historical subject? (Hint: the title of the film might be a clue here.)

 

(3) How does the film convince you that it is correct and accurate? Does it do a good job of this or not? Describe at least 2 primary sources and at least 2 secondary sources that the film utilizes to convey its accuracy and authority. (Hint: Historians can be secondary sources but tell who the historians are!)

 

(4) How does the film illuminate the historical significance of the subject? Why does this subject matter to American history? Does the film do a good job of convincing you this? Why or why not?

 

(5) What did you like or not like about this film? If you were making the film, would you change it in any way?

 

Films You Can Choose From

 

 

Standing Bear's Footsteps

http://www.pbs.org/video/2288017765/

 

The Mine Wars

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/theminewars/player/

 

Freedom Riders

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/freedomriders/watch/

 

Freedom Summer

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/freedomsummer/

 

 

United States of Secrets, Part 1

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/united-states-of-secrets/   

 

War of the Worlds

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/worlds/  

 

My Lai

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/mylai/  

 

The Forgotten Plague

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/plague/  

 

Edison

  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/edison/

 

Klansville U.S.A.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/klansville/  

 

The  Triangle Fire

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/triangle/  

 

The Poisoners Handbook

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/poisoners/  

 

 

Any one of the Eyes on the Prize episodes available on Youtube (Be sure to watch the complete 55 minute video, not a clip!). Also please list the title of the episode that you watch in your paper.

 

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eyes+on+the+prize  

 

Jonestown: Life and Death and the People's Temple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydHRESPjBxg