MSTU1001: Comparative Research Essay Tasksheet

MSTU1001: Comparative Research Essay Tasksheet

Task Description

In order to be eligible to pass this piece of assessment, you must answer one of the essay questions on this tasksheet. Additionally, you must closely analyse sequences from two (2) films from the course, and at least one (1) of these films must be from weeks 8-13 of the course. Do not choose the film you analysed for your Formal Analysis Essay.

For this assignment, you will choose one of the essay questions on this tasksheet and write a response to this question in the form of a research essay. You will answer the question by incorporating close analysis of film form and style (including mise-en-scene, cinematography, sound and editing). Your essay must have a central argument and make a claim about how aspects of form and style function together.

As we are asking you to look at two films, this argument should also be comparative – you should compare the form. and style. of one film to the other as part of your argument. You will need to compare one (1) clip from each of the two (2) films – two (2) clips total.

Include the Kanopy timecodes of these clips in your introduction paragraphs. They should not be more than 2 minutes long each.

You must use research to support your argument, consulting two (2) academic sources outside of the course readings, and demonstrate your understanding of the terms and concepts in Film Art. You must also use the referencing and formatting style stipulated in the 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style.

Please do NOT include still images in your essay.

Essay Questions

1.  Sound is considered an under-examined aspect of film and television studies. How does sound work in conjunction with the moving image? Choosing two sequences on the course where sound is an important element, examine how film sound works with visual aspects of film style. to create a particular effect.

2.  Stephen Prince defines perceptual realism as the cues that “aim to persuade viewers that what they are seeing is real within the storyworld and is therefore credible and convincing” (“Reasons for Realism” 56). How do digital effects, alongside other aspects of film style, immerse audiences in fantastical worlds?

Compare sequences from two films on the course that substantially use visual effects.

3.  Examine and compare two leading performances from two different films on the course. How do these different performances create particular effects in the chosen scenes? Pay close attention to the nuances of the performances and how they interact with film style.

4.  How do documentaries represent (or subvert) notions of truth or reality?

Compare a clip from each of the two documentaries ( This is Not a Film and  Cameraperson) in the course and examine how they invoke ideas of truth or reality through their use of film form. and style.

5.  Choose two films on the course with the same genre, theme or topic. Examining a clip from each film, how do they each present their own unique perspective on the genre, theme or topic through film style?

Instructions

1.  Choose an essay question to focus on. Examine the question – what is the prompt asking you to do? Make sure you understand the question.

2.  Brainstorm possible films/clips/topics to focus on. Some questions will naturally lead you to focus on specific films – other questions are more broad. Choose something  that interests you and that you have thoughts about.

3.  Research around the essay question you’ve picked. Remember that you need to reference a minimum of 2 academic sources. These can be peer-reviewed journal articlesor books published by academic presses. Take notes about what you read and where you read it – save interesting quotations.

4.  Choose two clips of 2 minutes or less in length. There needs to be a reason you’ve picked these two clips – what purpose does your comparison have? What unique insight into the essay question does the comparison of these two sequences reveal?

5.  Rewatch the films/clips you have chosen. Take detailed notes about aspects of film form. and style. you notice. Ask yourself questions – what patterns can you see?

What breaks in pattern or style. can you identify? The closer the better – this is where you’ ll find the most important things.

6.  Take your analysis deeper. When you identify aspects of film style ask yourself – what effect does this have in the sequence? How does it create that effect? Finally, make sure to ask: why does it create that effect? What overall purpose does that element have in the scene? What greater point is the filmmaker making?

7.  Write an outline of your essay using your observations and analysis – make sure each paragraph focuses on one specific idea, and list the evidence you’ ll use in   each paragraph.

8.  Write a thesis statement that encompasses what you’ve discovered in your

analysis. What is your argument? Make sure the thesis statement directly answers the essay question you’ve picked.

9.  Write the essay. Your introduction should introduce the topic, lay out a road map for the essay and include your thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on one topic, and link back to the thesis statement. The conclusion should summarise the essay and restate the argument. Incorporate your research – make sure to use Chicago 17th edition author-date referencing and include page numbers in all citations.

AI Policy

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop  responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student  Code of Conduct.

Criteria

Further details available in the rubric for this task.

Organisation and Argument (10 marks):

In the essay introduction, you should state your research question and say which film or television show you are analysing, then map out your essay structure and formulate a thesis statement that articulates the main points that you aim to convince your reader about over the course of the essay.

Your essay should make a coherent argument that develops logically throughout, with each point or paragraph relating to your essay topic and supporting your thesis.

Close Analysis (10 marks):

You will be assessed on your ability to clearly and accurately describe the various aspects  of the work's visual style. using the appropriate terms from the course reading. You will also be assessed on your ability to apprehend how these stylistic aspects are functioning -- e.g. what information they are concealing or revealing, what mood or tone they are conveying,   what responses they are designed to cue, and so forth.

Written Expression, Referencing and Formatting (10 marks):

You will be marked on your written expression and presentation (i.e., grammar, spelling,  syntax) and your ability to correctly use Chicago (author-date) referencing and formatting conventions. Please consult The Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition.

Research (5 marks)

Use of at least two (2) academic sources, in addition to Film Art and other course readings. You will be assessed on the quality and relevance of academic sources. You should engage with the source’s ideas substantively, and use them to support your argument.