OB-based Analysis of a Film Assignment Guidelines

OB-based Analysis of a Film

(Due In-class (paper) and Online)

Your analysis should be at least 2,000 words in length, and not more than 2,500. It should be divided into two approximately equal parts, one reflective and the other critical. The paper should double-spaced, with 1” margins. The font should be 11-point Times New Roman, Cambria, or Helvetica. It should be submitted in the appropriate place on cuLearn by the deadline and a paper copy handed in to your Its at the final lecture. The first thing to do, of course, is watch the film you have chosen from among the choices given. If you have already seen it, it is highly recommended that you watch it again.

In the reflective portion, ask yourself: What did I observe in this film and what possible meanings could these observations have? The key task here is to gather as many observations as possible from different points of view. The main skill to work on is perspective taking, or what some people call “re-framing.” Look at the narrative events and describe them from different perspectives. For example, how did certain characters view the situation and what did it mean to them? What would a neutral (“objective”) observer have seen and heard? What perspective did you have – in other words, how did it affect you? Reflect on these observations to discover the personal meaning that the material had for you. Write this.

In the second, conceptual portion, use at least two concepts or theories from the course material to look beneath the surface at why the main characters behaved the way they did. Provide the source for each reference to theory in an appropriate format and use quality external sources to enhance your analysis. In reviewing theoretical material, first, briefly define the concept or theory as you would for someone who was not familiar with it. Next, apply the concept thoroughly to your observations of the film. The tie-in should include the specific details of how the theory relates to and provides insight into the experiences of the main characters in the film. Does the example support or refute the theory? IMPORTANT: Avoid merely providing a “book report” of what you have observed in your film – you must discuss how you see concepts and theories relating to key examples, events, or characters. In other words, you must reframe the plot/action/behaviour of individuals in the context of the course material.

Papers will be marked on the following criteria:

1. Attention to purpose of the assignment. This means addressing the purpose, aims and themes of the assignment comprehensively, with enthusiasm and imagination.
2. Clarity of expression. This includes flow and integration of material, overall organization of ideas, grammar.
3. Ability to support your argument (5 pts).This means you use APA format correctly both in text and for your reference list. You support your claims and do not plagiarize material.
4. This means how deeply you observe and analyze the work that you choose, and how well you identify multiple perspectives as they relate to the theory. You are confident in reflecting on material; expression of insight and multiple perspectives shows your ability to explain effects of events on individuals. You use specific examples to support your analysis.
5. For each of the two theories you choose, you will be evaluated on:
   1. Your knowledge of the theory. You demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of theory and innovativeness in the selection and handling of theory.
   2. Your analysis. You must analyze people and situations through application of theory, resulting in a compelling integration of theory & plot; your use of both of these elements in framing analysis must be persuasive, showing a high-level understanding.