Assignments
English 4910/4925/4955/5950, Spring 2022
TR 3:30-4:45 p.m., Arts & Sciences 348
Film and Television Availability
This chart provides links to our class's required films that are available through links from JustWatch, a clearinghouse of film and television streaming sites. Films are available for rental from the GCSU Library as noted. Check Drew's Script-O-Rama and The Internet Movie Script Database for screenplays and transcripts to use as a a helpful reference for dialogue; however, if you write about the film, you should verify dialogue from the film itself.
| Required Films | Availability |
|---|---|
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari |
|
The Maltese Falcon |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Double Indemnity |
Just Watch | GCSU |
Detour |
|
In a Lonely Place |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Leave Her to Heaven |
Screening T, 2-8, 5:00-7:00 p.m. A&S 348 Screening R, 2-10, 5:00-7:00 p.m. A&S 348 |
Vertigo |
JustWatch | GCSU |
The Long Goodbye |
|
Blue Velvet |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Blade Runner: The Final Cut |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Veronica Mars, Season 1, Episodes 1 and 2 |
|
Le Samouraï |
|
Ghost in the Shell |
JustWatch | GCSU |
The Killing, Season 1, Episodes 1 and 2 |
Screening T, 4-12, 5:00-7:00 p.m. A&S 348 Screening R, 4-14, 5:00-7:00 p.m. A&S 348 |
| Recommended Films | Availability |
The Big Sleep |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Brick |
|
Chinatown |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Devil in a Blue Dress |
|
Mildred Pierce |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Sunset Boulevard |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Touch of Evil |
JustWatch | GCSU |
Twelve Monkeys |
JustWatch | GCSU |
The Woman in the Window |
In Class Activities
1. Existential Investigations
Thus far in the course, we have focused on a structuralist understanding of film noir as a genre, culminating in Philip Gaines's "Noir 101" syllabus of noir subgenres. After discussing the Gaines article, let's change our critical approach from structuralism to existentialism and apply our understanding of Robert Portfirio's article "No Way Out: Existential Motifs in the Film Noir" and William C. Pamerleau's article "Film as a Tool for Philosophical Investigation" to The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity.
Here is the group activity:
- First, divide into groups
- Then, briefly summarize what your group's assigned Pamerleau and Porfirio section states about existential philosophy.
- Finally, view The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity through the existentialist lens described in your group's assigned section. In other words, discuss how the existentialist concepts apply to the two films.
Here are the groups' assigned sections:
- Pamerleau 43 Experience as the World Represented / Porfirio 90 Chaos, Violence, Paranoia / Porfirio 92 Sanctity, Ritual Order
- Pamerleau 45 Freedom and Film / Porfirio 87 Existential Choice
- Pamerleau 48 Film and the Meaning of Life / Porfirio 89 Meaninglessness, Purposelessness, the Absurd
- Pamerleau 49 The Social Situation / Porfirio 85 Alienation and Loneliness
2. Le Tornado Warning
Today, let's make up our discussion of Le Samoraï that we missed due to the tornado warning, as well as discuss Ghost in the Shell. Break into five groups and discuss one question about each of the two films.
- Group 1: Neo-Noir Articles
- In what ways does Le Samouraï fit into Hayward's description of the noir-hilism cycle of French film noir?
- Describe the film noir elements of Ghost in the Shell according to Hitchcock's article.
- Group 2: Gender and Sexuality
- What are your thoughts on Le Samouraï's use and portrayal of women, given the blonde girlfriend who gives Jef his alibi and the Franco-African pianist who denies witnessing him escaping the murder scene? What does the film suggest about sexuality and gender relations?
- What are your thoughts on Ghost in the Shell's use and portrayal of women, given how the shells of the Major and the Puppet Master are treated by the camera on the one hand and the characters in the world on the other hand? What does the film suggest about sexuality and gender relations?
- Group 3: Neo-Noir Protagonists
- How does Le Samouraï's Jef's character (his wardrobe, his moral code, his intellectual abilities, his relationship with the police and his clients, his relationships with women) compare to other noir protagonists we've viewed?
- How does Ghost in the Shell's Major's character (her wardrobe, her ontological status, her existential crisis) compare to other noir protagonists we've viewed?
- Group 4: Mise-en-Scene and Sound
- Describe Le Samouraï's mise-en-scene: Jef walking and driving through the city, Jef’s apartment, the police station lineup. Comment on the use of sound and music. How do the mise-en-scene and sound indicate loneliness and alienation?
- Describe Ghost in the Shell's mise-en-scene: from the elite parts of the city to the back alleys. Comment on the use of sound and music. How do the mise-en-scene and sound indicate existential realism and questioning?
- Group 5: Potluck
- In Le Samouraï, why did Jef pretend to shoot the pianist in public? How does suicide by cop resolve his existential conflict with the world?
- How does Blade Runner influence Ghost in the Shell, and how does Ghost in the Shell influence The Matrix?
Presentation Schedule
Undergraduate students sign up for one slot: one Article Summary (AS). Article summaries are due in GeorgiaVIEW two days before they are scheduled to be presented.
Graduate students sign up for one slot: one Presentation (PR). Annotated bibliographies for presentations are due in GeorgiaVIEW on the day of the presentation.
Sign up here.
Article Summary
GeorgiaVIEW Post
Undergraduates will write an article summary and post it to GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Dropbox > Article Summary two days before we are scheduled to discuss the article so I have time to read your response before class. Here is the presentation schedule.
The article summary should
- be 2-3 pages long, formatted in MLA style, and submitted in Microsoft Word format,
- summarize the article's argument (if there are multiple articles on the syllabus by a single author, summarize only one),
- quote and explain one or two significant passages,
- define key terms,
- and include 2-3 questions for class discussion.
Informal Presentation
You will also be responsible for a brief, informal presentation. The article summary presentation should introduce the essay by defining key points and terms (without simply reading your written summary) and broaching issues for class discussion.
Due Dates
- Your written assignment will be due in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Article Summary two days before we are scheduled to discuss an article. Summaries will be penalized one letter grade for each day, not class period, that they are turned in late. It is your responsibility to check the sign up schedule and complete the assignment on time.
- Your brief, informal presentation will be due on the day we discuss the essay in class. This date is approximate for we will sometimes fall a day behind. Failing to present the article to the class without providing a valid absence excuse will result in a one letter grade penalty.
- I will return your graded assignment to you in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Article Summary approximately one week after we discuss the article in class. Due to GeorgiaVIEW limitations, I am unable to return graded assignments to you unless and until you submit them to the Dropbox.
- For example, we are scheduled to discuss Paris on Thursday, 1-27. Therefore, someone's summary will be due in GeorgiaVIEW on Tuesday, 1-25. In class on Thursday, 1-25, that student will informally present the main ideas of Paris's essay. I will return the graded article summary to her the following week in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Article Summary. Due to GeorgiaVIEW limitations, I cannot return your graded paper unless and until you upload it to the Dropbox. Here's how to calculate your course grade.
Scene Analysis
While the article summary helps undergraduate students practice summarizing important ideas and issues from film noir readings, the scene analysis assignment affords undergraduate students the space to rigorously unpack a film scene. After selecting a required or recommended noir on the course syllabus (but not one written about in the comparison/contrast essay), write an essay that 1) analyzes a significant film scene in terms of both formal technique (how the scene is shot, lit, edited, and so forth, drawing on at least three film elements exempified in the Film Analysis handout and one recommended or required article on the syllabus) and thematic content (what does the scene say about the meaning of the characters and/or the world), and 2) interprets how the scene broaches the core conflict and overall theme of the film. Your essay should be driven by a thesis that argues the work's theme and organized by close reading of the scene: unpack the tension and conflict, idea and theme.
Parameters
- Length: 4-5 pages
- Format: MLA style in Word format (I suggest using this template)
- Due: The paper is due in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Scene Analysis on either Thursday, February 17 or Thursday, March 31. If you submit your comparison/contrast essay on Thursday, March 31, then you must submit your scene analysis paper on Thursday, February 17 and vice versa.
- Grade: Your assignment will be assessed in terms of your critical application of film noir issues and your analysis of the scene. Retrieve your graded assignment in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Scene Analysis approximately one week after you submit the essay. Due to GeorgiaVIEW limitations, I cannot return your graded paper unless you upload it to the Assignments dropbox.
Comparison/Contrast Paper
While the scene analysis requires undergraduate students to closely read and rigorously unpack a significant scene in a film noir and the book review requires graduate students to appreciate and interrogate the argument of a scholarly book about film noir, the comparison/contrast paper allows both undergraduate and graduate students to compare a pertinent issue in two noir texts.
Your well-organized, thesis-driven essay should be proven with appropriate textual evidence from the films, and novel if applicable. Film evidence includes dialogue, cinematography, mise en scène, and other elements listed in the Film Analysis handout. Undergraduate students should draw from one or two film noir articles on the syllabus, required and/or recommended to help make the comparison and contrast; and graduate students should use two or three film noir articles on the syllabus.
Respond to one of the following options.
Options
Film Adaptation and Original Text: Compare and contrast the film noir adaptation with its original text. How do the adaptation's changes preserve the meaning and tone of original text, and how do they change the meaning and tone of the original text? You could, for example, compare and contrast the characterization of the femme fatale in the serialized novel and film versions of Double Indemnity.
Two Adaptations of the Same Text: Compare and contrast two film noir adaptations of the same noir story. In what overall ways do the films meaningfully converge, and where do they diverge in terms of conflict and theme? You could, for example, compare and contrast the 1944 film version and the 1973 TV movie versions of Double Indemnityin terms of world view and theme.
Two Noirs: Compare and contrast two film noirs on the syllabus, either required films and/or recommended films, in terms of a significant issue. In what ways do the two films overlap in the representation and meaning of the issue, and in what ways do they distinguish themselves? You could, for example, compare and contrast the portrayal of the femme fatale in The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity.
Parameters
- Length
- Undergraduate Students: 6-8 pages
- Graduate Students: 8-10 pages
- Format: MLA style in Word format (I suggest using this template)
- Due: The paper is due in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Comparison/Contrast Paper on either Thursday, February 17 or Thursday, March 31. If you submit your scene analysis essay on Thursday, March 31, then you must submit your comparison/contrast paper on Thursday, February 17 and vice versa.
- Grade: Your assignment will be assessed in terms of your critical understanding of film noir issues and your comparative analysis of the two texts. Retrieve your graded assignment in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Comparison/Contrast Paper approximately one week after you submit the essay. Due to GeorgiaVIEW limitations, I cannot return your graded paper unless you upload it to the Assignments dropbox.
Group Project
While the scene analysis obliges undergraduates to dissect closely and individually a significant scene and the comparison/contrast paper compels them to examine two corresponding noirs, the group project involves collective analysis, neo-noir research, and presentation skills. As part of a small group, you will either research and formally present on an international neo noir film or television show or you will research and record a podcast critically discussing an international neo noir film or television show. Be sure to reference your research in your presentation or podcast. Groups will answer questions from the class following their presentation or submitting their podcast. Sign up here.
Topic Selection
By Thursday, March 24, submit your neo-noir film or television show for approval. Note that the neo-noir must have at least six scholarly journal articles, books, or book chapters written about it in order for your group to conduct appropriate research on it.
| Date | Group | Students |
|---|---|---|
| R, 4-7 | Format: Presentation Film: Victoria, Germany, 2015
|
Olivia McClure Mattie Stewart Isabelle Rader |
Format: Presentation Television: Kamen Rider W, Japan, 2009-2010 |
Ethan Humphrey Connor Moore Scarrlee Porter |
|
| R, 4-14 | Format: Presentation Film: Sexy Beast, UK, 2000
|
Rosalie Bodkin Signe Madson Joslyn Reyes |
Format: Podcast Film: Mother, South Korea, 2009 ***Submit podcast on T, 4-12 |
Caroline Ard Emily Corwin Cale Strickland |
|
| R, 4-21 | Format: Presentation Film: Elevator to the Gallows, France, 1957 |
Emma Eisnaugle Brandon Near Bo Wheeler |
Format: Presentation Film: Breathless, France, 1960 |
Lani Daniel Katie Roman |
Parameters
- Length: 20-30 minute in-class presentation or 20-30 minute podcast, followed by a 10-15 minute in-class question and answer session.
- Annotated Bibliography: Locate and annotate 2 scholarly journal articles, books, or book chapters per group member. The annotations should be approximately 100 words long and summarize the key ideas of the text. Research methods are here.
- Due Date: For those groups opting to present in-class, the presentation, bibliography, and Q&A session will all be due on the same day. For those groups opting to create a podcast, the podcast will be due two days before the bibliography and in-class Q&A session. One group member should submit the group annotated bibliography and the podcast (if applicable) to GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Group Project on the due date.
- Grade: Your assignment will be assessed in terms of your critical understanding of film noir issues, your analysis of film noir films or television shows, and your understanding of of pertinent research. Retrieve your group grade in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Group Project approximately one week after submission. Let me know if there is a problem with all members participating in the group project.
Research Project
Undergraduate Students
Research either 1) the meaning of one noir film or television show, 2) a film issue (thematic, theoretical, technical, or aesthetic) across two or three noir films or television shows (subject to professor approval if any of the films are outside of class), compose a 6 source annotated bibliography and write an 7-9 page paper that applies 2-3 theoretical articles covered in class and incorporates 3-4 scholarly criticisms from the annotated bibliography. On Tuesday, April 26, you will share a thesis, outline, and annotated bibliography with peers. Here's how to conduct research at GCSU.
Graduate Students
You will write a 12-15 page research paper that enters, engages, and advances the scholarly discourse of a noir film or television show or noir issue either discussed in class or selected by you and approved by the professor. First, you will compose a 250 word paper proposal following the suggestions by Owl. Then compose a 10 source annotated bibliography. Your final essay should be worthy of being presented at a conference, integrate at least 4 interpretive sources from the annotated bibliography and apply at least 4 theoretical articles covered in class. Here's how to conduct research at GCSU. The week before your final paper is due, you will be given 15 minutes to present your paper in progress in class; then you will participate in a question and answer session with the class and can incorporate feedback into your final paper.
Parameters
- Length
- Undergraduate Students: 7-9 pages; 6 source annotated bibliography of outside of class research sources
- Graduate Students: 12-15 pages; 10 source annotated bibliography of outside of class research sources
- Format: MLA style in Word format (I suggest using this template)
- Due:
- Undergraduates: The Research Paper Thesis, Outline, and Annotated Bibliography are due Tuesday, April 26 in class (share with peers)
- Graduate Students: The Research Proposal is due Tuesday, April 12 in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Research Paper
- All: The Final Research Project (both paper and annotated bibliography) is due in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Research Paper is due Tuesday, May 3.
- Grade: Your assignment will be assessed in terms of your critical understanding of film noir issues, your analysis of film noir films or television shows, and your integration of pertinent research. Retrieve your course grade in PAWS after Wednesday, May 11. In order to read and assess all the exams and papers in my four classes by the final grade deadline, I will not be giving feedback on final projects this semester. I am glad to put your paper grade in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Research Paper by Tuesday, May 3 if you ask me to do so on your paper. I am happy to provide feedback at the beginning of fall semester if you email me to set up a conference. Here's how to calculate your course grade.
Annotated Bibliography and Presentation
Graduates students will research a work of literature on the syllabus, compose an annotated bibliography of at least 10 scholarly sources interpreting the text, and teach the work to the class, i.e., lecture and moderate class discussion, with some help from one of the articles on the work. One week before the presentation/teaching demonstration, meet with the professor to go over the lesson plan. The citations in the annotated bibliography should be formatted to MLA style, and each annotation should be approximately 100 words long. Sign up here.
Parameters
- Length: 10 100-word annotated bibliographies, a 30-45 minute teaching demonstration
- Format: MLA Style in Word format (I suggest using this template)
- Due: The written component is due in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Annotated Bibliography and Presentation on the scheduled presentation date.
- Grades: You will be graded on the quality of your research, annotations, and teaching demonstration. You can retrieve your graded assignment approximately one week after your presentation in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Annotated Bibliography and Presentation. Due to GeorgiaVIEW limitations, I cannot return your graded paper unless and until you upload it to the Dropbox. Here's how to calculate your course grade.
Book Review
While the annotated bibliography and presentation require graduate students to research, evaluate, and teach a text, the book review compels you to read and evaluate a book of criticism on contemporary American literature. After consulting with the professor on a suitable book (for instance a book from which our class is reading an excerpt, or another of your choosing), write a 8-10 page essay that summarizes the book's overall critical claim and then evaluates the thesis and methodology. Your essay should both appreciate and interrogate the book. The GeorgiaVIEW course packet contains book reviews by Darby, Fest, and Konstantinou; and you can find more examples using GALILEO.
Parameters
- Length: 8-10 pages
- Format: MLA Style in Word or RTF format (I suggest using this template)
- Due: The paper is due in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work > Assignments > Book Review on either Thursday, February 17 or Thursday, March 31.
- If you submit the book review on February 17, you must submit the comparison/contrast paper on March 31. If you submit the book review on March 31, you must submit the comparison/contrast paper on February 17.
- Grades: Your assignment will be graded on its appreciative, summary understanding of the criticism as well as its ability to evaluate and interrogate the book. You can retrieve your graded assignment approximately one week after submission in GeorgiaVIEW > Course Work >Assignments > Book Review. Due to GeorgiaVIEW limitations, I cannot return your graded paper unless and until you upload it to the Dropbox. Here's how to calculate your course grade.