FS 100 Final Assignment Instructions

Value: 25%
Length: 1000-1200 words
Due: November 30

DESCRIPTION:
The Final Assignment should be written from the point of view of convincing the
instructor to include a film not currently on the course list as a screening. To do this,
students will have to develop an argument and explain the relevance of the film to the
course goals.
CONTENT:
The Final Assignment should answer the question “Why include this film in the course?”,
or put differently, “How does this film add to our study of the medium of film?” You will
make this argument by choosing a chapter of the textbook and showing how the film
could be taught alongside it. This does not mean denigrating the film currently in that
slot. For instance, you might make the case that it is a representative case of continuity
editing, or that it uses narrative form in a unique and significant way, or that it teaches us
something useful about film genres or film movements.
It would be desirable to single out one or two scenes and explain how they could be used
in a classroom for close examination.
Do not summarize the movie. Take attitude that your reader is basically familiar with it
but needs to reminded of particulars. Focus on drawing your reader’s attention to specific
qualities of the film that you find especially noteworthy.
No essay that does not develop an argument linking your chosen film to a single
chapter of Film Art will pass. Do not attempt to make this argument about multiple
chapters as you do not have the space to do so successfully. You will be evaluated on
your command of the terminology we have learned and your ability to perceptively apply
it to your chosen film.
Please follow the style guide and use the essay template. Any material you reference
(including Film Art) must be properly cited; failures to cite properly may result in a
plagiarism case. AI generated submissions are not allowed; any submission suspected not
to be the work of the student will be submitted to the department for evaluation.
Students have the option of delivering this assignment in a format other than as an essay:
perhaps as a Video Essay that might mix footage from the film with commentary. The
instructor, however, will need to be convinced that as much work was put in (or more!)
than would have been the case with a conventional essay.