The Cove and Sharkwater address similar subject matter in the larger context of activist documentary. Evaluate each film according to their differences and similarities using the terms and concepts from the course, and comment on whether one is more successful in achieving its apparent goals than the other.Basic Requirements
Your submission should be five (5) typed pages, double-spaced, 1” margins, 12-point font.
Submissions that do not meet this requirement will not receive a passing grade.
Conduct library research so that you have a clear understanding of the subject matter presented in the film and an appreciation of the specific historical, social or political context of the film itself; film reviews in established newspapers or magazines and articles in scholarly journals are valuable resources. You will share this research with me in the form of a bibliography.
This is not a movie review or a plot summary. This assignment tests your ability to think through the core concepts presented in class and to independently conduct research relating to the interests of the course with a focus on scholarly and critical sources (including professional print journalism). Library research and re-viewing of select films will be necessary. A properly formatted bibliography with no fewer than five (5) entries from outside of the course readings is required and will demonstrate your research. The course readings provide you with a solid starting point for work addressing the various subject areas. Acceptable citation guidelines are to be found in the Modern Languages Association Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (available online and in most new and used bookstores). With the exception of refereed journals available online (and through library-endorsed online databases; i.e. ProQuest) internet sources are not acceptable (i.e. Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes). The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) provides valuable assistance for conducting research and offers resources to ensure you properly cite your work — https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/
Your opening paragraph should include the title of the works you are analyzing, the year of their release, and a simple thesis that organizes your work (e.g. Jazz on a Summer’s Day and Decline of Western Civilization both focus on groups of people invested in particular genres of music; however, differences in the nature of this music and the audience for this music requires the filmmaker capture their subjects in very different ways).
Grading Outline
A grading rubric for the assignment is available via SLATE. In general, you work will be assessed based on the following:
– Clarity of thesis/central idea/argument
– Proper use of documentary film studies terms
– Appropriateness, quality, and format of research bibliography
– Essay structure
– Mechanics of writing (e.g. proper punctuation, word choice, spelling, etc.) – Overall impression of the work
