Writing 101: Principles of Writing • Writing About Film (Winter 2007)

Unit Four: Fly Fly Fly Away ... • (Writing and Thinking Critically)

The Task :  This assignment is intended to mimic the kind of college-level paper assignment that you are likely to see in your courses. Normally, you will be given a set of paper topics and asked to write a four to six page paper. There are also very few opportunities to discuss the paper in class or get help with rough drafts. Oftentimes, the one and only chance you will have to talk about your paper with your profesor will be to see her or him during office hours.

Appropriately enough, then, for this assignment you must choose one of the following two paper topics and write a four-to-six page paper (minimum 1,200 words). Remember that a paper topic is not a thesis. Within the five-part thesis process we will have worked on, the paper topic would be the equivalent to a theme. Each paper topic allows you to choose any film to write about; however, I have included some suggestions if you need help getting started.

This unit is worth 200 points
(40% of your final grade)

 

 

NEW Paper Topic #1 - It's a big, big world:  In an increasingly globalized and flattened world, the connections between people are growing exponentially. As Syriana's tag-line suggests, "Everything's Connected." Using any film of your choice, discuss one specific consequence of this globalism. In other words, consider how the film treats the subject of globalism in regards to its effects on people's everyday lives. Remember, this is NOT a summary. Do not just describe scenes but instead analyze the film by exploring a specific issue. You can choose any film you like but you must come discuss it with me at our conference and get approval. If you do not get approval from me then you MUST write about Syriana. Films to consider: Crash, Magnolia, Babel, Nashville.

NEW Paper Topic #2 - It's an even bigger world: THIS IS A SPECIAL HONORS OPTION. If you feel you can get at least a 3.5 in the course, I highly suggest you take this option especially for those who plan to transfer to a four-year school. Having HONORS on your transcript looks really good AND if you go to UW, all honors credits at Highline are recognized at UW. In other words, if you get honors here and you go to UW then you will be given honors status there. To determine your chances of getting a 3.5, take a look at the PAPER scores for unit 1 and unit 2. If you are getting at least 85% then you have a pretty good chance.

Discuss a specific issue about globalism by comparing Syriana to a film of your choice. Like paper topic #1, keep in mind that your paper must be analytical. DO NOT SUMMARIZE. Also, keep in mind this is a comparative essay. You need to bring the two films into dialogue with one another and not treat them as two separate sections. If one half of your essay discusses one film and the other half discusses the second film then you are not doing your paper correctly.

Paper Topic #3 - The Empire Strikes Back : Thus far in this course, we have discussed Friedman's definition of flattening and examined, in detail, the ten flatteners responsible for this new world order. The second half of Friedman's book looks at the consequences and application of those flatteners. For this topic, choose one of the following options and write an analytical summary similar to the one you wrote for unit two; however, this summary will be far more complex. First, you must integrate all three chapters into one single argument. In other words, do not offer three small summaries but rather explain how the three chapters work towards a single idea. Secondly, your analysis must be far sharper and more pointed than before. While it's important that you display a clear understanding of Friedman, it's even more important that you display a clear engagement with the material -- I don't just want to know what Friedman has to say, I want to know what you have to say about Friedman. I am expecting sharp and specific analysis of the material. You will be required to quote from the texts and analyze those quotes. Don't worry about proper formatting for citations as long as it is clear where your quotes are coming from.

Option A: In  the second section of The World is Flat, "America and the Flat World," Friedman switches his discussion from what is happening around the world to what is happening and can happen in the United States. Friedman wonders, in an increasingly globalized environment, how will America have to adjust? Read chapters five, six, and seven and discuss Friedman's take on this new America and offer your own response to this.

Option B: Many cultural and political critics have pointed out that Friedman's views tend to be overly optimistic, that the flattening of the world can have rather devastating consequences. Looking at chapters twelve, thirteen, and fourteen, examine how Friedman defends his position and explain how you respond to Friedman's defense.