Historical film review
Historical Film Review Guidelines
Write a historical review of a movie based on historical events that occurred
during the time covered by the class (1492 1877). Students have 1,000 words (+/- 10%) to complete this assignment. Each paper will be submitted will be in
MS Word
document format (if document submitted is
NOT
a Microsoft Word document. All papers will be in Times New Roman, 12-font, double spaced with 1-inch margins. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in reductions to the grade.
Film Choice:
The film must cover a time period from 1492 to 1877 and be relevant to US History.
NO
documentaries: you must choose an actual movie.
Movie selection
must
be pertinent to this class, US History up to 1877.
If you have any about your movie selection, please contact your professor.
If the movie you select is outside of these requirements, you will receive an automatic F.
Submissions:
There will be a total of 4 submissions for this assignment: Annotated Bibliography, Outline with Thesis Statement, Rough Draft, and Final Draft. Each submission will have its own due date (see below). If you submit the annotated bibliography, outline, or rough draft late, not only will there be points deducted per the late policy it will also give me less time to review it. All submissions will be submitted through Blackboard per the syllabus.
Annotated Bibliography due by 11:59pm on September 13, 2020
Outline / Thesis Statement due by 11:59pm on September 30 , 2020
Rough Draft (80% of final draft) due by 11:59pm on October 8, 2020
Final Draft due by 11:59pm on November 2, 2020
Paper Goals:
The primary goal of this paper is to get the student to begin thinking and writing like a historian. Students will need to watch their respective film multiple times. Students will then research the event and/or events that are portrayed in each film and discuss whether the film maker accurately portrayed the event based on historical research and if the said film could be useful in furthering a students understanding of History.
Basic Paper Criteria:
The paper will be 1,000 words (+/- 10%)
The paper will be submitted as a MS Word Document
Font: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12-point
Margins: 1 inch on all sides
Double spaced
The paper will use the MLA writing manuals
The paper will have a title page
(not included in word count)
and will consist of:
Title
Students Name
The date it is handed in
Word count
The paper will have a properly formatted Annotated Bibliography
(not included in the word count)
The paper must also be properly cited using footnotes
The paper must be based on at least four factual sources.
One (1)
must
be a peer reviewed document
One (1)
must
be a book, this could be the textbook
One (1)
must
be the film itself
One (1) will be your choice; however, please keep in mind your paper is only as good as the source that you use
Basic paper layout:
Introduction paragraph
State your thesis
Introduce the title of the film being reviewed
Lay out the structure of your argument
Body (Minimum 3 Paragraphs)
Make your argument
Be sure to support your argument with facts and references
The instructor is not interested in your opinion, but rather in an argument based in fact
Conclusion
Briefly restate your argument
State your fact-based conclusion clearly
Late Papers: Papers will receive a reduction of one letter grade for every 24 hours they are late.
Annotated Bibliography:
A list of citations to your sources where each citation is followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. In the annotation you will want to describe which question on the worksheet you are answering.
Sample MLA Manual of Style Annotation:
Davidson, Hilda Ellis. Roles of the Northern Goddess. Routledge, 1998.
Davidson’s book provides a thorough examination of the major roles filled by the numerous pagan goddesses of Northern Europe in everyday life, including their roles in hunting, agriculture, domestic arts like weaving, the household, and death. The author discusses relevant archaeological evidence, patterns of symbol and ritual, and previous research. The book includes a number of black and white photographs of relevant artifacts.
This annotation includes only one paragraph, a summary of the book. It provides a concise description of the project and the book’s project and its major features.
Rough Draft:
Your first draft isnt meant to be perfect. This is an exercise in getting your thoughts organized and on paper. By turning in a rough draft, I will be able to critique your work and give you some suggestions on how to make a better grade on the final paper. Please look at this as a learning opportunity. In order for me to give the best feedback, it MUST be 80% complete.
Final Draft:
Before submitting your final draft, use the feedback I provided on your rough draft. This is an opportunity to put the final finishing touches on your paper. Please make sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. I would highly recommend reading the paper out loud or to someone to see how it sounds, so you can submit your best work. I would also recommend using grammarly.com to check your grammar and spelling on your paper. This is a free website.
Annotated Bibliography Grading Criteria:
Proper use of supporting material Minimum number used, appropriate, & type of source is used
0.625 Points
Correct use of MLA Manual
0.625 Points
Annotations length and appropriate information
0.625 Points
Bibliography Layout (Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, proper spacing, 1-inch margins)
0.625 Points
Total Points
2.5 Points
Outline Grading Criteria:
Proper Outline Format
1.25 Points
Thesis Statement
1.25 Points
Total Points
2.5 Points
Rough Draft Grading Criteria:
Thesis & Conclusions (The presentation of your argument)
0.625 Points
Proper use of supporting material facts are cited, minimum, & type of source is used
0.625 Points
80% of the 1,000-word limit
0.625 Points
Paper Layout (Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced, 1-inch margins)
0.625 Points
Total Points
2.5 Points
Final Draft Grading Criteria:
Thesis & Conclusions (The presentation of your argument)
1 Points
Understanding of the history portrayed in the film
1 Points
Demonstrates critical thinking
1 Points
Proper use of supporting material facts are cited, minimum, & type of source is used
1 Points
1,000-word limit (+/- 10%)
1 Points
Paper Layout (Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced, 1-inch margins)
1 Points
Title
1 Points
Annotated Bibliography
1 Points
Correct use of MLA Manual
1 Points
Paper is largely free of grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors
1 Points
Total Points
10 Points
1
