CFV 370 – Experimental Film and Video History
Grand Valley State University
Winter 2008
Jennifer Proctor
RESEARCH ESSAY ASSIGNMENT
25 points (25% of final grade)
For this research and writing assignment, you will choose a historical topic related to experimental film and video, research its significance and background, and write a 7 - 9 page essay in which you examine how your topic is integral to an understanding of the history of this form.
You may choose your own topic; however, some ideas include:
- A study of a significant avant-garde/experimental filmmaker and their body of work
- An examination of a particular movement in experimental film history (lyrical film, the trance film, etc., experimental documentary, video art, etc.)
- A particular avant-garde film venue or archive (Anthology Film Archives, Canyon Cinema)
- The development of a particular technique (handmade film, optical printing, etc.)
You are not limited to the films, filmmakers, or movements covered in class; however, your paper must include films or filmmakers not presented during class.
In choosing a topic, you can think about: How did a particular filmmaker influence other filmmakers or introduce an innovative technique or point of view? How did a filmmaker’s body of work change or evolve over time? How do a set of films represent – or complicate – a particular movement or mode? What role did a particular venue have on building – or hampering – the development of experimental film? How did certain films comment on or critique events or ideas happening in a particular era?
Research requirements:
- Your research must include at least five print sources. The most successful papers will use additional sources. Course readings may be included, but five additional sources must be used.
- Use standard MLA format for in-text citations and bibliography (an guide is available here: http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c08_o.html).
- Sources should be scholarly in nature; no “pop culture” publications, personal websites, or Wikipedia allowed except in unusual circumstances. Direct quotes should be integrated into the paper as evidence for your claims.
Research resources:
- GVSU library. The library has a number of useful books on several topics and eras of experimental film, as well as a handful of DVDs of experimental films.
- See http://gvsu.edu/library - Subject Resources - Communications for links to online research databases in our discipline.
- Ubuweb: http://www.ubu.com - for access to dozens of films online as well as links to scholarly essays
Timeline:
Thursday, March 13th: Topic proposal and preliminary bibliography due (5 points, 1 – 2 pages).
Turn in proposal of the topic for your paper. In this proposal, state the general subject of your paper, but also indicate how it is a topic of historical significance to our understanding of experimental film. What films or filmmakers will you focus on? What era? Imagine you have to convince a reader that this is a topic worthy of pursuit, and convince us as to why. Also give an indication of a preliminary thesis statement for this paper.
Because this paper is about historical inquiry, your proposal should also include the kinds of questions you are asking as you are performing your research. What is the main question you are hoping to find answers to? What are some of the smaller questions? What information do you need to write a successful paper? Include these details in your proposal.
Your topic should be focused and clear; a topic such as “lyrical film” is too broad. A better topic would be “the connection between Maya Deren and Stan Brakhage in the development of the lyrical film.” What specific area will you focus on, and what question will you seek to answer?
This proposal should also include a preliminary list of five sources you will use (listed in MLA “Works Cited” format).
PROPOSAL TOPIC MUST BE APPROVED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THIS STAGE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Thursday, March 27th: Annotated bibliography due (5 points, 2 – 3 pages)
For this phase of the assignment, turn in a complete bibliography of the five sources you will use, including a short summary of the content of each and a description of how they are useful to your paper topic. What questions do they answer?
Thursday, April 3rd: Rough drafts due (OPTIONAL)
If you would like feedback on a rough draft of your paper, turn in a hard copy by this date.
Thursday, April 10th: Final draft due (15 points)
Hard copy: 7 - 9 pages, double-spaced, 12 point font, 1-inch margins, with title page, MLA citations, and bibliography attached. STAPLED.