CFV 370 – American Cinema – Fall 2008
Grand Valley State University
Jennifer Proctor
ORAL PRESENTATION
Assignment: In your assigned week, groups of three will prepare a 10-15 minute oral presentation in which you provide historical context for the week’s film and a brief analysis of the film’s construction of identity. The goals for this assignment are to add to our historical understanding of blockbuster films produced in a given era, and to deepen our understanding of ways in which identity is constructed through cinematic techniques.
Your presentation will draw upon concepts covered in the course, so your approach to examining identity in your selected film may include gender, class, race, and/or sexual orientation – but you must draw explicit connections to key concepts addressed in the class so far.
Overall Requirements:
- RESEARCH: Perform research into the production background of your assigned film, as it relates to the concerns covered in this class. What was the budget of this film? Was it successful? Who was the primary audience? Did this film have a particular impact on the film industry or American culture at the time? Your research may include the assigned reading(s) for the week, but you must also draw in at least THREE OUTSIDE SOURCES.
- ANALYSIS: Drawing upon the readings and discussions from class, briefly analyze the construction of identity in your selected film. Focus on just one or two elements of identity for one or two characters – depth is better than breadth here. So, for example, is gender presented as stable or fluid? Which characters are active, and which ones passive? Why? Be sure to provide examples – and you can show clips as well.
Written Requirements:
- OUTLINE: A short summary of what you will present, which includes the main points of your presentation, any quotes you will integrate from the readings/research, and the overall structure of your presentation. Be sure to include your names! You may present this as a PowerPoint presentation or on paper – if the latter, bring 32 copies to hand out to the class. Whichever you choose, you must turn in ONE HARD COPY to me.
- BIBLIOGRAPHY: Using the standard MLA format, include a bibliography of your research and any class readings you cite in your presentation. Hand this in with your outline. (1 copy)
Evaluation:
70% - individual grade
30% - group grade
Each member of the group will receive an individual grade worth 70% of their total grade for their portion of the presentation. This grade will be based on the clarity of the presentation, accuracy and comprehension of the material presented, depth of observations, and preparedness.
In addition, the group will be assigned a grade as a whole, worth 30% of your total grade. This grade will be based on the clarity of your presentation, cohesiveness of the group presentation, and ability to stay within time constraints. These factors will also be considered in evaluating your group’s outline as a whole.