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Working as a small group, (2-3 students) prepare a 5 minute excerpt from a film of your choice to present in class.
Write a 7-10 page paper, typed and double-spaced, that situates the
film and its sound tactics within the context of class readings
on sound theory and cinema. I expect your group to deploy at least 2 theories or methodologies you have learnt in class this semester. Your in-class presentation should be
about 15 min. long, including the screening of the 5 min. film clip.
Please focus on analysis rather than reportage, and support your
first-hand observations with additional research in historical and
theoretical areas. The readings are a good place to start, and you
are encouraged to also look at secondary sources. Ideas from class
discussions can also be incorporated into your paper.
Your grade will be based on your understanding of the formal and
theoretical aspects of how sound is used these films. Your ability
to support your arguments and observations with research in historical
facts and theoretical discussions, as well as your speaking, writing
and analytical skills will also figure into my assessment. You are,
of course, encouraged to incorporate your own opinions into the
discussion. Explain how your views correspond to and differ from
the ideas expressed in films and in the class readings.
Please turn the paper in on time, and please follow the
format I outlined: papers that are too long or too short,
late papers, hand-written papers, etc. will lower your grade.
Include a bibliography (required) and footnotes (if appropriate)
as well as a filmography (required) for the films you cited in your
paper.
Be specific: cite reading sources, use footnotes,
and use actual references from the film to support your argument.
Why Group Projects and Presentations?
These collaborative assignments are designed to foster learning as a group, and to promote solidarity rather than competition in the process of learning. They are also good opportunities for you to address what you see as gaps in the curriculum (i.e. are there issues that you care about that are not addressed in the class?) You are encouraged to use them to contribute to your own learning process and take ownership of the class.
Some Tips on Collaboration
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Working as a group can be both challenging and rewarding. It is vital that you do your share of the work and participate fully in the group's efforts; |
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Everyone has different strengths, talent, and knowledge - use these differences strategically when you divide up the duties, but also treat this project as an opportunity to learn and acquire new skills; |
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Everyone's opinion is important - take time out to hear what each other are saying, be respectful of differences within the group, make these differences productive, try to work by consensus as much as you can, come up with decisions collectively; |
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If there are difficulties in group process, you are encouraged to come speak to me far ahead of the deadline so we can come up with solutions. The papers are also a good place to report on how the group process worked (and what did not work). Try to resolve these issues as soon as they arise, don't wait till the last minute! |
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If your group wants to set-up a discussion forum on Sakai (sakai.claremont.edu) to facilitate your planning process, I am happy to do so, just let me know. You can also use other forums outside of the Claremont Colleges, such as Facebook, Yahoo groups, etc. to as on-line discussion spaces for your group. |
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