Film review:
As an alternative extra credit assignment for those who cannot attend the SDSU Powwow, you may write a review of a pre-approved film related to the material we have discussed in class. A list of pre-approved films is presented at the end of this assignment description. A review has three components: summary, analysis, and evaluation. You will be addressing these components (see descriptions below) as well as creating an argument about the film. You must also draw on the concepts you have learned about from the class by citing sources we have read (or lecture notes) to support your argument about the film. Deadline to submit your papers is 5/5, Sunday, 11:59 pm.
Length Requirements (for this review)
600-900 words (which is approximately 2-3 pages if writing a Microsoft Word document with 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, and double-spaced lines). Reviews are brief, so try to keep the length within the limits defined for this assignment.
What makes an effective review?
Summary
Part of a film review is a summary of the film. Summaries give the reader of the review (your audience) a clear sense for what the film is about, because the reader may not necessarily have read or viewed the film. In fact, reviews are a quick and useful way to assess whether the film will be interesting to watch in full. A summary includes the film’s argument and key points and will help the reader of the review understand what the original material was about. The summary will also help set up an analysis and evaluation of the film’s content.
Analysis
The second component of a review is to analyze the film’s original material and how the film constructed and supported any main arguments or key points. In the analysis, it is helpful to think through what the film has argued effectively (cite specific examples that the film uses to support the argument), and what the film has not argued effectively (again, cite specific examples where more support). What are the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments that are presented? Who has a stake in arguments or claims that are being made in the original material? Who or what may have been left out?
Evaluation
As you consider the elements and support that the film presents, evaluate whether or not the strengths of the original material outweigh the weaknesses of the original material. You will need to take a position, or argue a point, about whether or not you would recommend that others read this material and why. Be specific and point back to your analysis as you are evaluating the material and coming to a conclusion about the quality of the material that is presented.
Films List
Dakota 38: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pX6FBSUyQI
The Thick Dark Fog: https://sdsu.kanopy.com/video/thick-dark-fog
Young Lakota: https://sdsu.kanopy.com/video/young-lakota
